Off the PitchThe GuardianUnverified source· 22 Sept 2026
Jota Chants Spark Saudi Scrutiny
Chants about the late Diogo Jota during a Saudi Pro League match have raised questions about the league's response.
Rúben Neves
player
Who
Rúben Neves
What
Chants about Diogo Jota
When
Saturday evening
Where
Al-Taawoun vs Al-Hilal
What happened. During Al-Taawoun's 6-0 home defeat to Al-Hilal, supporters directed chants about the late Portugal forward Diogo Jota at Rúben Neves. The incident prompted criticism that the Saudi Pro League was too lenient in its punishment.
- Cristiano Ronaldo addressed the events with his 680 million Instagram followers.
- Al-Hilal's £150m-plus forward line, including Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli, scored five goals.
- The league faces added scrutiny as global attention on Saudi football grows.
The Saudi Pro League must adapt to increased scrutiny as it seeks global stature.
In this story
Jota
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Sky Sports
Ronaldo calls for lifetime bans for fans involved in Jota chants
The Guardian
Cristiano Ronaldo calls for lifetime bans in Saudi Pro League after Diogo Jota chants
BBC Sport
Ronaldo demands lifetime bans over Jota chants
Mirror Football
Cristiano Ronaldo demands action after Ruben Neves targeted by sick Diogo Jota chants
