Riyadh: Al Hilal have fined midfielder Salem Al Dawsari a month’s salary for attempting to headbutt the referee at the end of their Riyadh derby against Saudi champions Al Nasr on Sunday.
“The Club’s Football Administration has decided to implement the Internal Regulations of the team against the player by deduction from his salary,” a club official said on Thursday.
No financial details were revealed but Al Dawsari could face further punishment from Saudi Professional League organisers following the ugly incident at the end of the tie, which saw Al Nasr retain the title following a 1-0 win at their rivals.
Scottish official John Beaton had been flown in to referee the derby match and had already sent off two Al Hilal players before the incident with the international midfielder.
Al Dawsari had lost possession in stoppage time and lunged frustratingly towards an opponent with Beaton awarding a free-kick against the Al Hilal player.
After rolling on the floor holding his face, an angry Al Dawsari leapt to his feet and ran towards Beaton before pushing his head into the Scot’s face.
The referee quickly pulled out a red card for an incensed Al Dawsari, who pushed his chest into the back of Beaton as teammates pulled away their out-of-control colleague.
Beaton and his two Scottish assistants were given a security guard after the match.
“It sounds more dramatic than it was but we had about ten security guards lead us off the pitch, all wearing standard-issue suits and ties and radios,” he told the Daily Record.
“I have to say though that for all the tension during the game — and you have to factor in this was effectively a title decider between two teams who have a history of intense rivalry — there were zero issues afterwards.”
