"Gulf 27".. Sami Al-Jaber responds to critics of Saudi striker: "There is malice in your hearts"

To follow the Saudi football channel on WhatsApp from Afaq News in Arabic, click here - Former Saudi player Sami Al-Jaber sent a supportive message to his compatriot Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who has faced criticism recently due to his performance in the Gulf Cup. Al-Hamdan participated with his national team in the matches against Kuwait and Oman in the "Gulf 27" tournament, the first as a starter and the second as a substitute, but he did not succeed in scoring or assisting any goals.

Al-Hamdan's teammates advanced to the semi-finals after topping the first group with 6 points. Al-Jaber said during his appearance on the program "Nadina", addressing Al-Hamdan: "In the years I lived as a player, we went through moments where we received insults, slander, and doubt. When you follow social media platforms, you find that there is malice in some hearts."

He explained: "Al-Hamdan is a hardworking player, and he has potential. He always tries to offer something. Abdullah, what distinguishes you as a player is your confidence in yourself since the days you were a player at Al-Shabab and now with Al-Nassr." Sami Al-Jaber continued: "Despite receiving a lot of criticism, the player remains the measure and is capable of controlling himself, and I am sure you will have a significant impact in the Gulf Cup and beyond."

Al-Jaber clarified: "Al-Hamdan does not play as a number 9 striker, but rather on the wings or behind the striker. It is natural for a player to receive criticism if he is not successful, but it should not reach the point of slander or insult."