Saudi Pro League side Al-Taawoun received a two-match stadium ban and a 100,000 Saudi Riyals fine after supporters taunted Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves over the death of his friend and former teammate Diogo Jota during a match, prompting calls from Cristiano Ronaldo for lifetime stadium bans for the chanting fans.
Saudi football authorities have imposed strict penalties following crowd behavior directed at Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves during a fixture in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. Al-Taawoun was ordered to play two home league matches behind closed doors and fined 100,000 Saudi Riyals (£20,000) after supporters repeatedly shouted the name of the late Diogo Jota from the stands.
Ruben Neves Targeted During Al-Hilal Victory
The incident unfolded before Al-Hilal secured a 6-0 victory on Saturday. Supporters in the stands targeted Neves with chants referencing Jota, a Liverpool forward who died at the age of 28 in July of last year following a car crash in Zamora, north-western Spain, which also claimed the life of his brother, André Silva.
Neves and Jota shared close personal and professional bonds from their time playing together for Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Portugal national team. In tribute to his late friend, Neves wears the number 21 shirt for Portugal, bears a tattoo on his calf depicting the two embracing, and served as a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral.
Footage circulated on social media showed Neves responding to the taunts by pointing to his eye and raising his hand toward the sky. Passing through the mixed zone after the match, Neves spoke with reporters about the hostile reception.
“I just hope they don’t go to pray later after what they did.”
Cristiano Ronaldo Demands Lifetime Stadium Bans
The crowd’s behavior drew swift condemnation from high-profile figures within the Saudi Pro League. Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to respond to footage of the incident, arguing that the league must enforce severe punishments to curb fan harassment.
Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota internationally for Portugal, called for permanent stadium bans for individuals identified as participating in the chants.
Club Response and Disciplinary Measures
In an official statement released following the disciplinary ruling, Al-Taawoun distanced itself from the supporters responsible for the taunts, labeling the conduct unacceptable and contrary to the institution’s core principles.
“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not represent the club, its fans, or the values for which the club is known. Sports competition cannot be a justification for insulting, belittling, or bullying others at the expense of anyone’s feelings.”
The disciplinary committee’s decision forces Al-Taawoun to host their next two home league fixtures without spectators, compounding the financial penalty handed down by the league.
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