Ronaldo calls for life bans of Saudi Pro League fans after Jota chants
During a Saudi Pro League match between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal in Buraydah, supporters were filmed chanting the name of Diogo Jota in a way that appeared directed at his close friend and former teammate Ruben Neves. Cristiano Ronaldo urged the league to punish those responsible and called for lifetime stadium bans, while both clubs have publicly condemned the behaviour and Al-Hilal filed a formal complaint with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights a high-profile clash over supporter conduct after the recent death of Diogo Jota and has prompted calls from major figures in the game for strong disciplinary measures, testing how the league and authorities will respond to offensive fan behaviour. The episode also raises questions about player protection and the integrity of competition when personal taunts are used in stadia.
Key Facts
- Match: Al-Taawoun vs Al-Hilal in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
- Al-Hilal result: 6-0 to Al-Hilal
- Player involved: Ruben Neves reacted to chants referencing Diogo Jota
- Footage: Video from the stands circulated on social media showing supporters chanting 'Jota'
- Neves reaction: Pointed to his eye then to the sky; afterwards said he 'hoped they don't go to pray afterwards' (paraphrased)
Supporters at the Saudi Pro League fixture between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal were filmed chanting the name of Diogo Jota in a sequence that appeared aimed at Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. The footage, which circulated on social media, showed Neves responding on the pitch by pointing to his eye and then gesturing to the sky. Diogo Jota died on July 3, 2025, in a car crash in Zamora, northwestern Spain, alongside his brother Andre Silva; Neves was a close friend and served as a pallbearer at Jota's funeral. Neves played 75 minutes of the match before being substituted, and after the game he commented that he hoped the chanting supporters would not go to pray afterwards. Cristiano Ronaldo reacted on his personal Instagram account, saying the league should act to punish fans who behave in that way and arguing such people should be barred from stadiums permanently. His post called for limits on conduct at matches and urged authorities to take decisive measures. Al-Hilal said it had filed a complaint with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and described the club's rejection of actions that target players or their families. Al-Taawoun also issued a statement condemning the chants, saying the behaviour was unacceptable, did not reflect the club's values and promising to work with relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence and hold offenders to account.
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