Police officers escorted referee Ahmed Al-Kaf off the pitch after Al-Ain defeated Al-Hilal in the Asian Champions League semi-final. The incident occurred following a controversial VAR intervention that led to a penalty for the home side. Supporters reacted with hostility at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium as the officiating crew departed the field under protection, according to Reuters.
Al-Ain secured a 4-2 victory in the first-leg encounter, ending the 34-match winning streak of the Saudi Pro League leaders. Rahimi scored a hat-trick for the United Arab Emirates club, including two goals from the penalty spot. Per ESPN, the result leaves Al-Hilal with a two-goal deficit to overturn in the return fixture.
Disruptions followed the final whistle as objects were thrown from the stands. The Asian Football Confederation has not yet released a formal statement regarding the security breach or potential disciplinary measures. Al-Hilal players expressed frustration with several decisions made during the match, which featured three penalties in total.
