He crossed the line once again. The match was over, but the controversy is just beginning. One action by Al-Bulahi escalated beyond the pitch and stirred feelings between countries.
Middle East football expert Muhammad Khaled said on the 20th (Korean time) that Al-Shabab defender Al-Bulahi was once again at the center of controversy. He said, "The Iraqi football community was swept by fierce anger over his bizarre behavior."
The incident occurred in the 2025-2026 Gulf Club Champions League semifinal between Saudi Arabia's Al-Shabab and Iraq's Zakho SC. The match was fierce. The teams were tied 1-1 after regulation and extra time, and it went to a penalty shootout. Al-Shabab smiled at the last moment, securing a 4-3 victory and a place in the final.
The problem came after the final whistle. Al-Bulahi made mocking gestures toward the Zakho players who had been crushed by defeat, and the atmosphere rapidly froze. Provocative actions enraged the Zakho players, and some ran onto the pitch and charged at him. But the man himself showed little agitation and headed straight for the locker room.
The clash did not end there. In the corridor leading to the locker rooms, players and officials from both teams became entangled, and tensions reached an extreme. Released footage even captured Zakho goalkeeper Ali Kadim, in an agitated state, trying to break down a barricade before being restrained by those around him. It was a confrontation that went beyond a simple war of nerves.
The Iraqi football community's response was immediate. Reporter Ali Nuri strongly criticized, "You are neither qualified nor prudent. What do you hope to gain with that childish behavior?" He added, "Al-Bulahi's actions smear the face of the Saudi league and national team, and every fan is disgusted by his childish behavior."
Criticism continued within Saudi Arabia. Khalid Al-Shanaif pointed out, "He should have shown restraint and kept his distance after the victory," and Al-Shabab alumnus Ahmed Otaif directly shot back, "Stop chasing the media spotlight and please focus on football."
The controversy grew because this is not the first time. Al-Bulahi has repeatedly been criticized for actions that provoke opponents. In the 2022 Qatar World Cup he drew attention for taunting Lionel Messi, and in the 2023-2024 Saudi Super Cup he produced rough scenes after clashing with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The name is not unfamiliar to domestic fans either. In the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup round of 16, he stirred controversy by pulling Son Heung-min's hair and choking Hwang Hee-chan's neck. Critics say that, given the repeated behavior, it is difficult to see these incidents as mere impulsive acts.
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