Baghdad Bounedjah sent off after post-match gesture in Al Shamal draw

Baghdad Bounedjah was shown a straight red card after the final whistle following an angry exchange with the referee during Al Shamal’s 1-1 draw with Al Wakrah in the Qatar Stars League.

The incident occurred at the end of Thursday’s fourth-round game, which appeared to have finished peacefully when referee Mohammed Al-Shammari signalled full-time.

Bounedjah, Al Shamal’s captain and one of the most experienced players in the history of the Qatar Stars League, had already been booked in the eighth minute of stoppage time. The yellow card followed his protest at one of Al-Shammari’s decisions, shortly before play resumed.

Seconds later, the referee ended the match with the score level. Bounedjah then approached Al-Shammari again to seek an explanation for some of his decisions. The official instructed him to leave the pitch because the match was over.

The Algeria forward complied and began walking towards the dressing rooms. However, while leaving the field, he made what were described as “shocking” gestures towards the referee.

Al-Shammari followed Bounedjah and produced a direct red card, leaving Al Shamal’s players visibly stunned. The decision triggered an angry reaction from the striker, who threw down his captain’s armband in protest.

Officials from Al Shamal intervened in an attempt to calm him. Bounedjah continued to show his frustration and pushed one of his own club officials during the confrontation.

The dismissal means Bounedjah will miss Al Shamal’s next match, a crucial meeting with leaders Al Duhail. Reports suggest his punishment could extend beyond a one-match suspension, with a heavier sanction possible depending on the details recorded by the referee in his report regarding the gestures and alleged unsporting conduct.

Video footage showed Al-Shammari issuing the red card to Bounedjah after the player’s objections following the final whistle.

On the pitch, Al Shamal took the lead in the 26th minute through defender Pablo Mari. Al Wakrah recovered before half-time, with Tunisia international Issa Laidouni scoring the equaliser.

The draw cost Al Shamal the opportunity to move to the top of the table. They collected one point to reach eight and remain second behind leaders Al Sadd.

Al Wakrah are still waiting for their first win of the season. The result was their second draw, alongside two defeats, leaving them with two points.