Al Hilal honour Al Ittihad duo before Saudi Pro League classic

Al Hilal paid tribute to Al Ittihad players Hassan Kadesh and Mukhtar Ali before Saturday’s Saudi Pro League meeting between the two clubs, recognising their contribution to Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Gulf Cup triumph.

The rivals met at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh in the eighth round of the Roshn Saudi League. Before kick-off, the stadium displayed images of Saudi Arabia internationals who had helped the national side win Gulf Cup 27.

Kingdom Arena was decorated in green and carried the message: “Congratulations, Gulf champions”. The screens also showed pictures of Al Hilal players who were part of the victorious Saudi Arabia squad.

However, Al Hilal extended the gesture beyond its own players by including Al Ittihad pair Kadesh and Ali, who also played a part in the national team’s title-winning campaign.

The two sets of players also formed a guard of honour for Al Hilal goalkeeper and Saudi Arabia captain Mohammed Al-Owais. He entered Kingdom Arena carrying the Gulf Cup trophy.

Saudi Arabia won the regional competition for the first time in 23 years on Tuesday, beating United Arab Emirates 2-0 in the final.

The tribute was highlighted in a video published by Saudi newspaper Al Youm, while footage of the guard of honour was posted by Thmanyah Sports.