SPL: Cristiano Ronaldo Demands Lifetime Bans for Saudi Arabian Fans over Diogo Jota Chants
Cristiano Ronaldo said fans who chanted Jota’s name at Ruben Neves should face lifetime bans after the Saudi Pro League match.
- On Saturday, Al-Taawoun supporters repeatedly chanted the late Diogo Jota's name at Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves during his side's 6-0 Saudi Pro League victory.
- Liverpool forward Jota died at 28 in a car crash in Zamora last July, having scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club after moving from Wolves in 2020.
- Neves, who wears the number 21 shirt for Portugal in Jota's memory, reacted to the taunts by sarcastically applauding the fans while pointing toward the sky.
- Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo condemned the incident on social media, writing: "The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour."
- After the match, Neves told reporters: "I just hope they don't go to pray later after what they did," as BBC Sport has contacted both clubs for comment.
125 Articles
125 Articles
Cristiano Ronaldo has strongly condemned the actions of Al-Taawoun fans who provoked his close friend Ruben Neves by chanting the name of the late Diogo Jota during a league match against Al-Hilal. The Portuguese star is demanding severe punishment and a lifetime ban from stadiums for those responsible.
In the Saudi Pro League, fans call out "Jota, Jota" to the Portuguese Rúben Neves. Neves' friend Diogo Jota died in a car accident. The indignation is great, Cristiano Ronaldo is upset and demands severe punishment.
The tasteless "Jota, Jota" shout of some fans towards Ruben Neves in the Saudi-Arab Pro League caused indignation. Portuguese football player had been repeatedly provoked to play his club Al-Hilal at Al-Taawoun with the songs alluding to Diogo Jota. In July 2025, the former Liverpool star had died in a car accident together with his brother at the age of 28 – and close friends with Neves.
In the Saudi Pro League, fans call out to the Portuguese Rúben Neves "Jota, Jota". Neves' friend Diogo Jota died in a car accident. The indignation is great, Cristiano Ronaldo demands punishment.
[Sports Chosun Reporter Kim Seong-won] Portugal's captain Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) is furious. On the 14th (KST), the British newspaper 'The Sun' reported that "Ronaldo demanded a lifetime ban for fans who shouted malicious chants criticizing Diogo Jota at Ruben Neves during Al Hilal's Saudi Pro League match." Jota, a Portuguese national, passed away last July at the tragic age of 28.
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