Late VAR call leaves Red Wolves fuming in 1-1 draw

Defending champions Muharraq were left frustrated in the Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League after being held to a 1-1 draw by A’ali in the early kick-off of Matchweek 11 at Khalifa Sports City, missing a valuable opportunity to apply pressure at the top of the table in a match overshadowed by late refereeing controversy.

The Red Wolves’ afternoon began dramatically in the third minute when Hussain Jameel was sent off for a high boot to the head of A’ali’s Mussab Omar. The challenge was a last-ditch attempt, with Omar poised to head the ball towards goal, leaving Muharraq to play the majority of the contest with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the champions controlled large spells and were rewarded on the hour. Brazilian duo Juninho and Arthur Rezende combined once again, continuing a partnership that has proven decisive throughout the season.

Juninho intercepted a loose ball and fed Rezende, who produced a moment of quality by curling an effort from distance that left the goalkeeper rooted. A’ali found their response just over ten minutes from time. A quickly taken set-piece was worked wide to Moroccan winger Riad Idouiguiguine, whose inch-perfect delivery to the far post picked out centre-half Michel Rocha, who was left unmarked to tap in the equaliser.

Tensions boiled over in the dying moments. Nandinho’s men felt they were denied a clear penalty when Hussain Abdulkarim appeared set to tap in after a sliding challenge from Mussab Omar. Despite a VAR review, the decision stood, prompting furious protests from Muharraq’s players, bench, and officials on the pitch. The frustration carried beyond the final whistle, with Muharraq later boycotting the post-match press conference and leaving a note that read: “Refereeing committee, how long will this continue?” — a pointed response to what they believe has been a pattern of decisions going against them.

The draw leaves Muharraq second on 24 points, ahead of Riffa only on goal difference, while A’ali moves into fifth with 13 points. Elsewhere in Matchweek 11, Al Malkiya and Sitra played out a goalless draw at Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium. Al Malkiya remain fourth on 19 points, while Sitra remain ninth with 12 points. League action now pauses before the Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League returns on Tuesday with Matchweek 12. Aali’s Nduwku (R) and Muharraq’s Amine Bennadi go head-to-head in the air