Al-Ittihad set unwanted Roshn Saudi League record after Dion Lopy dismissal

Al-Ittihad became the first club to receive two red cards in the current Roshn Saudi League season after new midfielder Dion Lopy was sent off against Al-Qadsiah on Friday only his fourth appearance for the club.

The incident came shortly after half-time during Al-Ittihad’s visit to Al-Qadsiah at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, in the second round of the Roshn Saudi League.

Lopy was dismissed in the 47th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a strong challenge on Al-Qadsiah midfielder Otavio. The Senegal international had already been cautioned earlier in the match, meaning the second booking resulted in his sending-off at the start of the second half.

The red card was Lopy’s first for Al-Ittihad since joining the club from Spanish side Almeria during the current summer transfer window. It came in just his fourth match for the team.

Al-Ittihad therefore became the first side to have two players sent off in the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League campaign, despite having played only their second league match. The club’s total so far represents one dismissal per game.

Portugal defender Danilo Pereira had been the first Al-Ittihad player to receive a red card this season. He was sent off during the 1-1 draw with Al-Kholood in the opening round of the competition.

Pereira’s suspension ruled him out of Friday’s match against Al-Qadsiah. Lopy’s dismissal means he will now miss Al-Ittihad’s next league fixture, against Al-Hazem in the third round.

The two disciplinary incidents have left Al-Ittihad without one of the players involved in each of their first two league matches. Pereira was unavailable for the game in Dammam because of his dismissal against Al-Kholood, while Lopy will serve his suspension in the next fixture.

Lopy’s challenge and the referee’s decision also prompted discussion among supporters online. A post accompanying footage of the incident described the moment as: “The referee sends off Al-Ittihad player Lopy at the beginning of the second half with a second yellow card. Is the decision correct?”

The dismissal added an unusual statistical mark to Al-Ittihad’s start to the league season. The club have collected two red cards across their opening two matches, with both players receiving their punishments in separate games and both being unavailable for the match that followed.