New Crisis Erupts Between Hamdallah and Carrasco at Al-Shabab; Moroccan Star Reportedly Banned from Al-Nassr Match and Training for Seven Days
A new crisis has erupted within Saudi club Al-Shabab between Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah and his Belgian teammate Yannick Carrasco, following a disagreement during their Saudi Pro League match against Al-Taawoun. The game ended in a 5-1 defeat for Al-Shabab, despite Hamdallah scoring his team's only goal.
The incident occurred in the final minutes of the encounter when Al-Shabab was awarded a direct free-kick near the penalty area. Carrasco, designated as the primary free-kick taker, approached to execute it. However, Hamdallah quickly intervened, took possession of the ball, and then decided to pass it to teammate Josh Branehwell, a move that sparked widespread controversy on the pitch.
Carrasco attempted to retrieve the ball to take the kick, but Hamdallah prevented him, insisting he leave it for Branehwell. This led to clear tension between the two players during crucial moments of the match.
This incident was not isolated, as information suggests that the relationship between Hamdallah and Carrasco has been unstable since the start of the season, marked by several previous tensions within the squad, reflecting recurring friction.
In a subsequent development, Saudi newspaper "Al-Riyadiah" reported that Al-Shabab's management decided to take disciplinary action against Hamdallah. This included excluding him from the upcoming match against Al-Nassr and banning him from group training for seven days. Amid expectations that he might not continue with the club until the end of the season, efforts are reportedly underway to contain the crisis, with a possibility of reversing the decision if a reconciliation between the parties is achieved.
In his first reaction, Hamdallah posted a Quranic verse on his "X" account, stating: "And they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners." Followers interpreted this as an expression of his displeasure with the developments within the club.
