Fabinho Runs Away from Referee as He Gives Ex-Liverpool Star Red Card

In a dramatic Saudi Pro League clash on January 13, 2026, former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho was sent off in controversial fashion during Al Ittihad's 1-1 draw against Damac, sparking headlines with his desperate bid to evade the referee's decision.[1][3]

The match at Damac Stadium was tense from the start. Damac took the lead through Abdullah Al Qahtani in the 37th minute, capitalizing on defensive lapses from the visitors. Al Ittihad fought back, with Muhannad Al-Shanqiti leveling the score just before halftime at the 45th minute, keeping his side in contention.[3]

The second half saw a flurry of substitutions and yellow cards, but the real drama unfolded deep into stoppage time. At 90'+8', Fabinho, already on a yellow, committed a foul warranting a second booking. In a bizarre twist, the Brazilian midfielder attempted to substitute himself off the pitch, jogging towards the sideline in a clear ploy to dodge the referee's card and avoid ejection.[4][5]

Videos circulating online captured the moment: Fabinho quickened his pace away from the official, gesturing frantically as if signaling a change, only for the referee to catch up and brandish the red card at 98 minutes.[1][2][6] Teammate Steven Bergwijn later received a yellow at 101', compounding Al Ittihad's disciplinary woes.[3]

Despite the late sending-off, the game ended 1-1, with Damac holding firm. Fabinho, who joined Al Ittihad in 2023 after six successful years at Liverpool, now faces a suspension. His contract runs until summer 2026, with a market value of €13 million per Transfermarkt.[5]

Fans and pundits reacted with amusement online, dubbing it a "comical escape attempt." Al Ittihad remain competitive in the league, but such incidents highlight the pressures on ex-Premier League stars in Saudi football.[3]

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