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Cristiano Ronaldo has called for severe sanctions following an incident during a Saudi Pro League match on Saturday, September 12, in which Al Taawoun supporters taunted Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves with chants referencing the late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota. Video footage captured some fans directing the chants at Neves while he prepared to take a free kick, prompting the midfielder to respond with sarcastic applause and a gesture toward the sky in acknowledgment.
Neves and Jota shared a close personal and professional relationship, having played together at Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the Portuguese national team. Jota tragically died in July 2025 at age 28 in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother André Silva. Neves carried his coffin at the funeral service. Following Al Hilal’s 6-0 victory, Neves addressed the incident briefly with reporters, expressing hope that the fans would not pray after their conduct.
Ronaldo, who represented Portugal alongside both players, responded strongly to documentation of the incident shared on social media. The Al Nassr player demanded that the league implement disciplinary measures and stated that such behavior extends beyond acceptable football conduct. He argued that supporters engaging in this type of conduct should receive permanent stadium bans, emphasizing that boundaries must be established regarding fan conduct at sporting events.
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Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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