Saudi Arabia penalty appeal rejected by refereeing expert in Gulf Cup semi-final

Saudi Arabia’s appeal for a penalty against Qatar in their Gulf Cup 27 semi-final was correctly dismissed, according to former Egyptian international referee and refereeing expert Rida Al-Beltagy.

The incident came in the 111th minute at Alinma Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City, in Jeddah, when Saudi Arabia forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan struck a powerful shot that hit the hand of a Qatar player inside the penalty area.

The referee decided not to award a spot-kick, a decision supported by Al-Beltagy.

“I do not see it as a penalty,” Al-Beltagy told Kooora in an exclusive statement. “Even if I disagreed with the interpretation of the law, I do not see any deliberate action at all, so it is not a penalty.”

The match finished 0-0 after 90 minutes and extra time before Saudi Arabia prevailed in the penalty shootout.

That victory means the hosts will face the winners of the semi-final between United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Saudi Arabia had topped Group A with nine points, finishing four points ahead of runners-up Oman.

Qatar reached the last four after placing second in Group B with seven points. They were behind group winners United Arab Emirates only on goal difference.