Saudi Pro League club Al-Taawoun have been ordered to play their next two home league matches behind closed doors after their supporters taunted Al-Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves over the death of his close friend and former teammate Diogo Jota. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s disciplinary and ethics committee also fined the club 100,000 Saudi Riyals (around £20,000).
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What Happened
During Al-Hilal’s 6-0 away win over Al-Taawoun on Saturday, home supporters repeatedly chanted Diogo Jota’s name at Neves as his side pulled further ahead on the scoreline. Footage circulating on social media appeared to show Neves reacting to the chants by sarcastically applauding and giving a thumbs up toward the crowd, before pointing to the sky and to his own eye, and gesturing in the direction the chants were coming from. Speaking after the match, Neves didn’t hold back, saying he hoped the supporters responsible wouldn’t go on to pray afterward given what they had done.
Sanction Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Club Sanctioned | Al-Taawoun |
| Sanction | Two home league matches behind closed doors |
| Fine | 100,000 Saudi Riyals (~£20,000 / $26,660) |
| Regulation Violated | Article 51-2, SAFF disciplinary code |
| Match Involved | Al-Taawoun 0-6 Al-Hilal (Buraydah Stadium) |
| Player Targeted | Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal) |
| Appeal Status | Decision not subject to appeal |
Why It Struck a Nerve
Jota, the former Liverpool and Portugal forward, died aged 28 in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, in July 2025, alongside his brother André Silva. Neves and Jota were exceptionally close, having played together at Wolverhampton Wanderers and for the Portugal national team. Neves has continued to honour his late friend in the time since — wearing the number 21 shirt for Portugal in Jota’s memory, carrying a tattoo on his calf depicting the two of them embracing, and serving as one of the pallbearers at Jota’s funeral. That context made the chants particularly pointed, and explains the strength of the reaction from within the football community.
Ronaldo Calls for Tougher Action
The incident drew swift condemnation from across the Saudi Pro League, most notably from Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who publicly called on the league to take a hard line. Writing in response to footage of the chants, Ronaldo said the league had to take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour, adding that it was no longer football and that there had to be limits, and that people who behave this way should never be allowed into a stadium again. The federation’s sanctions were announced the day after Ronaldo’s comments, following a weekend in which the footage spread widely and drew criticism from players across the league.
The Federation’s Response
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s disciplinary and ethics committee ruled that Al-Taawoun’s supporters had violated Article 51-2 of the federation’s regulations. The two-match stadium ban means Al-Taawoun will be forced to host their next two league fixtures without any fans present, while the accompanying fine adds a financial penalty on top of the sporting sanction. The federation confirmed the ruling is final and not open to appeal.
The Bigger Picture
The incident is a stark reminder of how raw the football world’s grief over Jota’s death remains, more than a year on from the crash that also claimed his brother’s life. It also puts renewed scrutiny on crowd behaviour in the Saudi Pro League at a time when the competition continues to attract global attention following its recruitment of high-profile European stars. For Neves, the ruling closes an ugly chapter in what had otherwise been a dominant result for Al-Hilal, but the episode underlines how personal tragedy can still be weaponised in the heat of a football rivalry — and how seriously governing bodies are now expected to respond when it is.
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FAQs
What punishment did Al-Taawoun receive?
A two-match stadium ban (behind closed doors) and a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals (~£20,000).A two-match stadium ban (behind closed doors) and a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals (~£20,000).
Why were the fans chanting Diogo Jota’s name at Rúben Neves?
Jota, Neves’ close friend and former teammate, died in a car crash in July 2025; fans used his name to taunt Neves during Al-Hilal’s 6-0 win.
How did Rúben Neves react during the match?
He reacted with sarcastic applause and gestures toward the crowd, and later said he hoped those responsible wouldn’t go on to pray after their behaviour.
Did other players speak out about the incident?
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo publicly called for the league to take strict action against the fans involved.
Can Al-Taawoun appeal the ban?
No, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation ruled the decision is final and not subject to appeal.
