In a bizarre and unforgettable moment during Al-Ittihad’s 1-1 draw against Damac in the Saudi Pro League on January 13, 2026, former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho stunned fans worldwide with an audacious attempt to flee the pitch before receiving a red card. The 32-year-old Brazilian, known for his composure during his trophy-laden spell at Anfield, found himself at the center of a chaotic scene that blended comedy, frustration, and heartbreak for supporters of the Jeddah-based club.

The match at Damac’s home ground unfolded as a tense affair, with Al-Ittihad desperate for points to climb the league table amid a challenging season. Fabinho, serving as captain for the evening, had already picked up a yellow card earlier in the game for a tactical foul. As the clock ticked into the eighth minute of stoppage time, Damac launched a counter-attack, and Fabinho cynically brought down forward Yahya Naji to halt the threat. Recognizing the inevitable consequences, Fabinho didn’t wait for the whistle—he swiftly removed his captain’s armband, handed it to a teammate, and bolted toward the touchline, seemingly trying to substitute himself off or escape down the tunnel before the referee could act.

Referee Saleh Al-Turais, however, was quick on his feet, chasing after the midfielder to brandish the second yellow, followed by the red card. The incident, captured on video and rapidly shared across social media platforms, left commentators bursting into laughter and fans in disbelief. For Al-Ittihad, already trailing in the title race behind rivals like Al-Hilal, the draw felt like a missed opportunity, compounded by playing the final moments with ten men. The result kept them mid-table, highlighting ongoing struggles since Fabinho’s high-profile move from Liverpool in 2023 for around £40 million.

Fabinho’s career has been a tale of peaks and valleys. At Liverpool, he was instrumental in their 2019 Champions League triumph and the 2020 Premier League title, earning praise for his defensive prowess and leadership. His departure to Saudi Arabia marked a new chapter, joining stars like Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad, but the team has underperformed, plagued by managerial changes and inconsistent form. This red card incident, while humorous on the surface, underscores the pressures facing veteran players in the league, where high expectations meet the realities of adapting to a new environment.

Fans reacted with a mix of amusement and sympathy. Many Liverpool supporters reminisced about his glory days, expressing sadness at seeing their former hero in such a predicament. Online discussions highlighted the human side of football—moments of panic amid the intensity. Al-Ittihad’s coach, Laurent Blanc, downplayed the event post-match, focusing on the team’s resilience in securing a point despite the setback. Damac, meanwhile, celebrated their equalizer, scored late to deny the visitors a win.

This episode raises questions about player conduct and referee authority in high-stakes games. While no further disciplinary action has been announced, it serves as a reminder of the fine line between strategy and silliness on the field. For Fabinho, it’s a footnote in an otherwise illustrious career, but one that will linger in highlight reels. As Al-Ittihad prepares for upcoming fixtures, including clashes against top teams, fans hope this dash doesn’t signal deeper issues. The draw leaves them pondering what could have been, turning a routine match into a viral spectacle that tugs at the heartstrings of those who remember Fabinho at his best.