Al-Taawoun hit with two-match stadium ban over Jota chants

Al-Taawoun must play two home games behind closed doors after their fans taunted Ruben Neves about late friend Diogo Jota.

What happened. Al-Taawoun were handed a two-match stadium ban and a 100,000 Saudi Riyal fine after their fans chanted about Diogo Jota at Ruben Neves during a 6-0 loss to Al-Hilal. Neves responded by gesturing that 'God is watching'.

• Cristiano Ronaldo called for lifetime bans for the fans involved.
• Neves said post-match: 'I hope they don't go to prayer later.'
• Jota died aged 28 in a car crash in Spain in July 2025.

“People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again.”

— Cristiano Ronaldo

The sanction sets a precedent for how the Saudi Pro League handles personal taunts from supporters.

In this story

Cristiano RonaldoRúben Neves

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