Cristiano Ronaldo reacted to chants by the fans during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Taawoun and Neves’ side, Al-Hilal, in Buraidah. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Cristiano Ronaldo said on Sunday (September 13, 2026) that fans who appeared to make chants referencing former teammate Diogo Jota at Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match should be banned from football stadiums for life.
The chants occurred on Saturday (September 12, 2026) during a fixture between Al-Taawoun and Neves’ side Al-Hilal in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.
Jota passed away on July 3, 2025, in a car crash in Zamora, northwestern Spain, along with his brother Andre Silva. A close friend of Jota, Neves was a pallbearer at his funeral.
Footage filmed from the stands during the match and circulated on social media appeared to show supporters chanting ‘Jota’.
The shouts attracted the attention of Neves, who pointed to his eye and then up to the sky in response.
Passing through the mixed zone after the game, Neves commented, “I hope they don’t go to pray afterwards.”
In response to an Instagram post showing the footage, Ronaldo commented from his personal account.
“The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour,” said Ronaldo.
“This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again.”
The game finished 6-0 to Al-Hilal, with Neves playing 75 minutes before being substituted.
Al-Hilal Club Company announced in a statement on their website on Sunday (September 13, 2026) that they had filed a complaint with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation relating to the incident. The Saudi Pro League club were “confident” that measures would be taken to “protect the integrity of sporting competition from offensive practices.”
“The Company expressed its absolute rejection of such actions targeting players or their families, or intended to cause personal offence,” said Al-Hilal’s statement.
Later on Sunday (September 13, 2026), Al-Taawoun also released a statement regarding the incident, which strongly condemned the offensive chants.
“Such conduct is completely unacceptable and does not represent Al-Taawoun, its supporters or the values for which its terraces are known.”
Al-Taawoun say they will “take all necessary measures in coordination with the relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence and hold offenders accountable.”
Published – September 14, 2026 10:23 am IST
