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Ronaldo Demands Lifetime Bans for Fans Chanting Dead Player Name — AI-generated representative image: A section of football supporters in a stadium during a night match, illustrating fan behaviour at Saudi Pro League fixtures.

Editorial Team

Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Taawoun condemn Jota chants aimed at Ruben Neves as an official complaint is filed

Cristiano Ronaldo has called for the fans who chanted the name of the late Diogo Jota at Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match to be banned from football stadiums for life. The chants were heard on Saturday during a fixture between Al-Taawoun and Neves's side Al-Hilal in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.

Footage filmed from the stands and circulated on social media appeared to show supporters shouting "Jota", a reference to Neves's former teammate who died in a car crash in July 2025.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from players and both clubs, highlighting ongoing concerns about offensive fan behaviour in the Saudi Pro League. Jota's death in 2025 deeply affected the football community, and Neves, who was a close friend and pallbearer at his funeral, was visibly affected by the chants during the match.

Key Developments

Ronaldo responded to an Instagram post showing the footage, commenting from his personal account: "The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour. This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again."

Al-Hilal Club Company announced on Sunday that it had filed a complaint with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, saying it was "confident" measures would be taken to "protect the integrity of sporting competition from offensive practices".

Al-Taawoun also released a statement strongly condemning the chants, stating such conduct "does not represent Al-Taawoun, its supporters or the values for which its terraces are known".

Background of the Tragedy

Diogo Jota died on July 3, 2025, in a car crash in Zamora, northwestern Spain, alongside his brother Andre Silva. Jota had been a former teammate of Neves, and the two shared a close friendship. Neves served as a pallbearer at Jota's funeral.

The match itself ended 6-0 in favour of Al-Hilal, with Neves playing 75 minutes before being substituted. During the game, the chants attracted Neves's attention, and he responded by pointing to his eye and then up to the sky. Passing through the mixed zone after the game, Neves commented, "I hope they don't go to pray afterwards."

Official Statements and Responses

Al-Hilal's statement said the club expressed "absolute rejection of such actions targeting players or their families, or intended to cause personal offence". The club emphasised its expectation that the federation would take action to safeguard sporting integrity.

Al-Taawoun said it would "take all necessary measures in coordination with the relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence and hold offenders accountable". The club's response signalled a willingness to cooperate with the investigation into identifying those responsible for the chants.

What Happens Next

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has yet to publicly confirm any disciplinary action in response to Al-Hilal's complaint. Both clubs have indicated they will cooperate with authorities, and further measures are expected as the federation reviews the incident.