Danilo Pereira Rips Referee After Al-Ittihad’s 1-1 Draw
Al-Ittihad opened the 2026/27 Roshn Saudi Pro League season with a share of the spoils, and a share of the controversy. A 1-1 draw with Al-Kholood at Jeddah’s Alinma Stadium on August 15 left Portuguese defender Danilo Pereira publicly questioning two refereeing decisions that shaped the result: a penalty appeal waved away and the red card that reduced his side to ten men for the closing half hour.
For a club with genuine Saudi Pro League title ambitions after finishing the previous campaign as one of the country’s top three sides, dropping two points at home on matchday one is not a disaster. But it is a warning sign, and Pereira made clear after the final whistle that he believes officiating, not just missed chances, cost Al-Ittihad the win.
What Happened at Alinma Stadium
Youssef En-Nesyri put Al-Ittihad ahead in the 43rd minute, continuing his run of early-season goal involvement for Sergio Conceicao’s side. Al-Kholood responded seven minutes into the second half through Julien Domingues, who marked his competitive debut for the club with an equaliser finished off a Shaquille Pinas cross.
The turning point followed shortly after. In the 58th minute, referee officials reviewed an off-the-ball incident involving Pereira and Pinas through VAR before issuing a direct red card for serious foul play. Al-Ittihad played the remaining half hour a man short and were unable to find a winner, despite several late openings.
| Match Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | Roshn Saudi Pro League, Matchweek 1 |
| Date | August 15, 2026 |
| Venue | Alinma Stadium, Jeddah |
| Final Score | Al-Ittihad 1-1 Al-Kholood |
| Goalscorers | Y. En-Nesyri 43′ (Al-Ittihad), J. Domingues 52′ (Al-Kholood) |
| Sent Off | D. Pereira 58′ (Al-Ittihad), red card |
| Season | 2026/27 |
Pereira Disputes the Penalty Call
Pereira’s frustration centred first on a box incident he believed should have resulted in a spot kick for Al-Ittihad. He described being pushed from behind in a challenge that went unpunished, arguing his side deserved the opportunity to convert from the penalty spot and potentially settle the contest before his own dismissal changed the shape of the match.
The Red Card Pereira Still Doesn’t Accept
The dismissal drew the sharpest response. Pereira maintained his eyes were on the ball throughout the challenge, that no excessive force was involved, and that contact with Pinas was, in his account, incomplete. Reflecting on the officiating overall, the defender did not hold back, telling reporters flatly: “the referee’s decision was very bad.”
Losing a first-choice centre back in a matchweek-one fixture against a newly promoted or newly reshaped Al-Kholood side is exactly the kind of setback a title-chasing squad wants to avoid. Pereira himself acknowledged as much, admitting the numerical disadvantage made it harder for Al-Ittihad to reestablish rhythm and control for the remainder of the match.
En-Nesyri Adds His Voice
Pereira was not the only Al-Ittihad player to question the officiating. Goalscorer Youssef En-Nesyri also addressed the red card after full time, telling reporters: “there were mistakes, both from our side and from the referees’ side.” The Moroccan forward’s comments echo Pereira’s stance while also pointing to missed chances at the other end, a more balanced read on why Al-Ittihad failed to convert a one-goal cushion into three points.
Between the two players’ remarks, a clear picture emerges: Al-Ittihad’s dressing room views the draw as a missed opportunity shaped as much by officiating as by their own finishing.
Why This Matters for Al-Ittihad’s Season
A dropped point on the opening weekend rarely defines a Saudi Pro League campaign on its own. But early refereeing controversies tend to follow clubs into the media narrative for weeks, especially at a club with the financial backing and squad depth to be considered genuine contenders for the title alongside Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
Pereira’s suspension status now becomes a subplot to track. A straight red card for serious foul play typically carries at least a one-match ban under Saudi Pro League disciplinary regulations, meaning Al-Ittihad’s back line faces reshuffling for the club’s next assignments.
What Comes Next
Al-Ittihad’s immediate focus shifts to the King Cup, where they are scheduled to face Al-Najma on August 18. Pereira, for his part, signalled he wants the conversation to move on quickly, saying the priority now is preparing for the next fixture rather than dwelling on the Al-Kholood result.
Whether Al-Ittihad can turn opening-weekend frustration into consistent form will start to become clear across the next two to three matchweeks, as the club looks to close the gap on the division’s traditional Riyadh powerhouses.
FAQ
What was the final score between Al-Ittihad and Al-Kholood?
Al-Ittihad and Al-Kholood drew 1-1 on August 15, 2026, in the opening matchweek of the 2026/27 Roshn Saudi Pro League season.
Who scored in the Al-Ittihad vs Al-Kholood match?
Youssef En-Nesyri opened the scoring for Al-Ittihad in the 43rd minute. Julien Domingues equalised for Al-Kholood in the 52nd minute.
Why was Danilo Pereira sent off?
Pereira received a direct red card in the 58th minute for serious foul play following a VAR review of an off-the-ball incident involving Al-Kholood’s Shaquille Pinas.
Did Al-Ittihad have a penalty appeal turned down?
Yes. Danilo Pereira said Al-Ittihad should have been awarded a penalty after he was pushed from behind inside the box, a call the referee did not give.
Will Danilo Pereira be suspended for Al-Ittihad’s next match?
A straight red card for serious foul play typically triggers at least a one-match suspension under Saudi Pro League disciplinary rules, which would affect Al-Ittihad’s defensive selection for their upcoming King Cup fixture against Al-Najma.