The Union football club has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the officiating after their recent 2-0 defeat to Victory in the Saudi Professional League. The match, held on Friday, saw Victory score two late goals, one from Sadio Mané and another from Angelo in stoppage time. This loss leaves Union with 34 points, dropping them to seventh place while Victory's 49 points see them clinging to second place, just a point behind leaders Hilal.

In a statement published on their social media account, Union voiced their concerns over what they termed 'gross refereeing errors' that significantly influenced the match's outcome. They specifically pointed to the failure to award two clear and justified penalty kicks in their favor, asserting that one of these incidents was palpable and should have been recognized through video review technology (VAR). The club's frustration suggests a broader issue with the implementation of VAR and calls into question how effectively it is being used to correct crucial on-field decisions.

Union's remarks highlight an ongoing dialogue around officiating standards in the Saudi League, particularly the reliance on technology in critical game situations. This controversy not only impacts Union's current season standings but also amplifies the scrutiny on the league's governance and refereeing practices. Such incidents can shape public perceptions and affect fan engagement, as supporters rally around calls for improved oversight in officiating.