The Most Bizarre Penalty Incident of all time just Happened in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday
The Saudi Pro League looked more like the Sunday League after one of the most bizarre penalty incidents ever took place on Thursday.
Bottom club Al Hazm hosted Al Fateh, managed by former West Ham and West Brom boss Slaven Bilic.
The hosts went 1-0 up five minutes in through Bruno Viana but their lead was doubled not long after following an inexplicable turn of events.
With ten minutes on the clock, Fahad Al Harbi decided to high-five his goalkeeper Jacob Rinne after he came out to collect a loose ball.
But incredibly, he hit the ball with his hand and the referee quickly pointed to the spot.
Some of the Al Fateh players could not understand why the referee had given a penalty.
But the various replays showed that Al Harbi struck the ball, with Rinne's reaction extremely telling.
A VAR check took place and after the decision was confirmed, Toze converted from 12 yards to double Al Hazm's lead.
They went in at half-time 2-0 up and are on course for just their second win of the season.
One fan laughed: "Al Fateh’s defender wanted to high-five his keeper; ended up touching the ball and giving away a penalty.
A second said: "Al Fateh defender's intention: a friendly pat on the goalkeeper. Reality: Accidentally taps the ball instead!"
A third wrote: "What in the Sunday League has happened here."
Bottom club Al Hazm hosted Al Fateh, managed by former West Ham and West Brom boss Slaven Bilic.
The hosts went 1-0 up five minutes in through Bruno Viana but their lead was doubled not long after following an inexplicable turn of events.
With ten minutes on the clock, Fahad Al Harbi decided to high-five his goalkeeper Jacob Rinne after he came out to collect a loose ball.
But incredibly, he hit the ball with his hand and the referee quickly pointed to the spot.
Some of the Al Fateh players could not understand why the referee had given a penalty.
But the various replays showed that Al Harbi struck the ball, with Rinne's reaction extremely telling.
A VAR check took place and after the decision was confirmed, Toze converted from 12 yards to double Al Hazm's lead.
They went in at half-time 2-0 up and are on course for just their second win of the season.
One fan laughed: "Al Fateh’s defender wanted to high-five his keeper; ended up touching the ball and giving away a penalty.
A second said: "Al Fateh defender's intention: a friendly pat on the goalkeeper. Reality: Accidentally taps the ball instead!"
A third wrote: "What in the Sunday League has happened here."