Former Egypt international referee Reda El-Beltagy says Saudi Arabia should not have been awarded a penalty for the handball appeal in their Arabian Gulf Cup (Gulf 27) semi-final against Qatar.
Saudi Arabia players called for a spot-kick during the 111th minute after Abdullah Al-Hamdan struck a powerful shot that hit the hand of a Qatar player inside the penalty area.
The referee waved away the appeals, and El-Beltagy backed that decision.
“I do not see it as a penalty, even if I disagree with the interpretation of the law,” El-Beltagy told Kooora.
“I do not see any deliberate intent whatsoever, so it is not a penalty.”
Saudi Arabia eventually won the match on penalties at Alinma Stadium, part of King Abdullah Sports City, also known as the Shining Jewel, in Jeddah.
The game finished 0-0 after 90 minutes and extra time before Saudi Arabia prevailed in the shootout.
The result sent the hosts through to the final, where they will face the winners of the other semi-final between the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Saudi Arabia had topped Group A with nine points, finishing four points ahead of runners-up Oman.
Qatar reached the last four after finishing second in Group B with seven points. They were behind group winners the United Arab Emirates on goal difference.
