Al-Shabab expresses discontent over refereeing errors in match against Al-Rayyan

On Thursday, Al-Shabab Club issued a statement expressing its deep dissatisfaction and outright rejection of the serious refereeing errors that occurred during the team's match today in the final of the Gulf Club Champions League, committed by Emirati referee Adel Al-Naqbi and his crew, which directly and clearly contributed to influencing the course and result of the match. It also strongly condemned the decisions issued on the night of the final match of the Gulf Club Champions League against Al-Rayyan, which it lost 3-0.

Al-Shabab Club said in a statement: 'The management of Al-Shabab Club expresses its deep dissatisfaction and outright rejection of the serious refereeing errors that occurred in the team's match today in the final of the Gulf Club Champions League, committed by Emirati referee Adel Al-Naqbi and his crew, in a scene lacking the most basic standards of justice and neutrality, and directly and clearly contributed to influencing the course and result of the match.'

It added: 'At the same time, the club's management strongly condemns the decisions issued on the night of the final match, at a time that raises major question marks, which unjustly equated the aggressor and the victim in penalties, in a precedent lacking justice and logic. Al-Shabab Club management confirms that what happened is an unacceptable transgression.'

It continued: 'Al-Shabab Club, with its fans and history, will not accept being a victim of unfair refereeing errors or unfair administrative decisions. The club calls on the Gulf Football Federation to take a firm and responsible stance that ensures the protection of the competition from any tampering or negligence, and to establish the principles of justice and integrity. In conclusion, the management renews its full confidence in the team's stars, appreciating the fighting spirit they showed and the loyal support of the club's fans who attended from everywhere and supported their team until the last moments, and promises them to make every effort to return Al-Shabab to its natural position on the championship podiums.'