Cristiano Ronaldo has called for strong action against football fans who mocked Al-Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves with chants referencing his late friend and former Portugal teammate Diogo Jota during a Saudi Pro League match.
The incident occurred during Al-Taawoun’s 6-0 defeat by Al-Hilal, when some supporters chanted Jota’s name at Neves. Jota, the former Liverpool and Portugal forward, died in a car accident in Spain in July 2025. Neves, who was a close friend of Jota and a pallbearer at his funeral, appeared visibly upset by the chants.
After the match, Neves criticised the behaviour, while Ronaldo urged the Saudi Pro League to punish those responsible. He said supporters who crossed such a line should not be allowed back into stadiums.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation and Saudi Pro League later condemned the chants. Al-Taawoun was fined about £20,000 and ordered to play two matches behind closed doors.
The incident has sparked wider discussion about fan conduct as Saudi Arabia continues to develop its football league and prepare for major international events, including the 2027 Asian Cup and 2034 World Cup.
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