Riffa slam refereeing after loss to Al Khaldiya

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Riffa have voiced outrage after their 2-1 defeat to Al Khaldiya last Saturday in the 17th round of the 2025- 26 Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League, insisting key refereeing decisions shaped the result. The club highlighted three red cards that left them with just eight players and questioned VAR and penalty calls, warning that repeated errors threaten the league’s credibility.

Riffa had taken the lead in the 42nd minute when Brazilian midfielder Rodrigo Yuri converted a penalty after Gabriel Monteiro was fouled. Their advantage lasted just over 15 minutes as Thiago Fernandes was sent off for an elbow on Al Khaldiya’s Mohammed Adel.

Al Khaldiya equalised in the 58th minute when Riffa defender Yacouba Diarra deflected a cross from Nizar Elotmani into his own net. Riffa goalkeeper Dziugas Bartkus was sent off in the 71st minute, followed by substitute keeper Abdulkarim Fardan later dismissed for a foul outside the area. Outfield player Rodrigo Yuri stepped in goal, producing a string of vital saves to keep Riffa in the game.

Saifeddine Bouhra eventually struck the winner in the 106th minute with a low drive from outside the box. The result moved Al Khaldiya top of the table on 42 points, two clear of defending champions Muharraq, while Riffa remained on 34 points, a significant blow to their title hopes.

Both sides now turn to the semi-finals of the His Majesty the King’s Cup on Friday, with Riffa facing Al Khaldiya again and Muharraq taking on Al Ahli. Riffa have vowed to challenge the refereeing decisions while preparing for the knockout clash, underlining the impact officiating can have on the title race.