Cristiano Ronaldo has called for severe punishment after supporters directed chants referencing the late Diogo Jota at Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves during Saturday’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Taawoun. The controversial incident unfolded during Al-Hilal’s emphatic 6-0 victory in Buraidah.
Neves, a close friend of Jota, was visibly affected by the chants. Ronaldo subsequently urged the Saudi league to take decisive action and argued that such behaviour has crossed the boundaries of football.
Cristiano Ronaldo Calls For Strong Punishment From Saudi League
Ronaldo made his position clear after footage of the incident circulated online. The Al Nassr captain called for those responsible to face permanent stadium bans.
The Portuguese legend stressed that supporters must respect limits, particularly when behaviour moves beyond competitive rivalry. His intervention adds significant weight to a controversy that has generated widespread criticism across football.
Al-Taawoun fans chant “Jota, Jota, Jota” to Rúben Neves, apparently trying to provoke him by referencing his late friend Diogo Jota. Disgraceful
— Troll Football Media (@TrollFootball2) September 13, 2026
Ronaldo’s comments also underline the responsibility of leagues and clubs to protect players from personal abuse inside stadiums. The Saudi Pro League has yet to announce a disciplinary decision over the incident.
Diogo Jota Chants Target Ruben Neves
The chants were aimed at Neves during Al-Hilal’s dominant display against Al-Taawoun. The Portugal international was among the pallbearers at the former Liverpool forward’s funeral.
Jota died in a car crash in July 2025 alongside his brother, Andre Silva. The references therefore carried an especially personal dimension for Neves.
Despite the distressing episode, Neves remained on the pitch for 75 minutes as Al-Hilal completed a 6-0 victory. Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat-trick, while the result moved Al-Hilal to the top of the Saudi Pro League with 18 points.
Al Nassr Star Draws Line Over Fan Behaviour
Ronaldo’s response has shifted the focus from the result to the standards expected inside Saudi football stadiums. His call for lifetime bans represents one of the strongest public reactions from a prominent Saudi Pro League figure.
The Al Nassr forward has repeatedly been at the centre of Saudi football’s growing global spotlight since moving to the league. His latest intervention places fan conduct firmly under scrutiny.
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