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Neves Sparks Fire, Hilal Faces Punishment Risk as Title Race Heats Up

5 April 2026

Neves's outspoken remarks could reshape the title race with seven rounds remaining.

Overview

Al Hilal faces a potential setback as one of its foreign stars could face sanctions in the crucial closing phase of the season after lashing out at the referee in the clash with Al Taawoun on Saturday, during round 27 of the Saudi Pro League.

The clash finished in a 2-2 draw, with plenty of controversial refereeing moments that sparked anger from Portuguese forward Robin Neves after the game.

Neves criticized the officiating, saying his side were wronged and that Al Taawoun scored an offside-like goal and that his team deserved a penalty.

Disciplinary risk and league context

Legal analysts quoted by the Saudi press say the statements could trigger disciplinary action, with a fine of 50,000 Saudi riyals under Article 50(2) of the regulations.

Should the disciplinary committee view the remarks as a direct insult to referees, penalties could go beyond a fine, potentially including suspensions for multiple matches and fines up to 300,000 riyals.

If a severe sanction is imposed, Neves would miss crucial matches with seven rounds left as the title race heats up with Nasr and Al Ahli.

Currently, Al Hilal sit second in the Saudi Pro League with 65 points, level with Al Ahli and five points behind leaders Nasr.

And for the fans: in football, sometimes the whistle is louder than the crowd's cheers; also, if sarcasm were a sport, Neves would have a trophy by now.

Punchlines: If referees started charging admission for controversial calls, the league would finally get a standing ovation from the benches.

And for a second punchline: Neves's post-match remarks were so loud the stadium's PA system might need subtitles.