Al Hilal v Al Shabab delayed after referee spots problem with goal net

The Riyadh derby between Al Shabab and Al Hilal in the Roshn Saudi League was delayed by several minutes after referee Facundo Tello found a problem with the goal netting before kick-off.

Al Hilal were visiting Al Shabab on Friday at SHG Arena in Riyadh for the fifth round of the competition. The match had been scheduled to begin at 21:00 Mecca time, but the start was held back while the issue was addressed.

Saudi journalist Nawaf Al-Aqeel reported that Tello, the Argentine official appointed to oversee the derby, noticed the fault in Al Shabab’s net and requested that it be repaired before allowing the game to begin.

The unusual interruption meant the players and supporters had to wait beyond the advertised start time, with the delay directly linked to the referee’s pre-match inspection of the goal area.

Al Hilal entered the fixture aiming to maintain their perfect start to the new Roshn Saudi League season. They were seeking a fifth consecutive victory, a result that would allow them to remain at the top of the table.

Before the match, Al Hilal had 12 points and led the standings on goal difference from Al Nassr, who were second. The Riyadh side’s position at the summit therefore added importance to the derby, with another win capable of preserving their advantage over their closest rivals.

Al Shabab, meanwhile, were still looking for their first victory of the campaign. Their opening three matches had all ended in draws, leaving them with three points and in 13th place in the table before facing the league leaders.

The delay was an unexpected development in a fixture in which the two clubs had contrasting early-season objectives. Al Hilal were attempting to extend their winning run and protect top spot, while Al Shabab were seeking a first success after an unbeaten but winless opening sequence.

The match official’s discovery was also highlighted in a social media post describing how a problem with the goal net had caused the late start. Tello’s decision to wait for the repair ensured that the goal area was ready before play could get under way.

With the netting issue identified and action delayed only briefly, attention returned to the Riyadh derby itself: Al Hilal’s pursuit of another victory at the top of the Roshn Saudi League and Al Shabab’s attempt to turn their run of draws into a first win of the season.