Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al Nassr, has urged the Saudi Pro League authorities to step in and penalize a section of Al Taawoun supporters after they used the name of the late Diogo Jota to provoke his compatriot, Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves.
The incident occurred during Al Hilal’s dominant 6-0 away victory against Al Taawoun on Saturday evening in Matchday 7 of the Saudi Pro League, when select fans directed chants of “Jota” toward Neves.
What Ronaldo Said Regarding the Taawoun Fan Chants
Ronaldo spoke out following the widespread circulation of video footage capturing the incident on social media platforms, emphasizing the necessity of an official stance to prevent similar behavior inside Saudi stadiums.
“This is no longer football, and boundaries must be set,” the Al Nassr skipper stated, calling on the league to penalize those involved and ban individuals who engage in such behavior from entering stadiums in the future.
Ronaldo’s intervention carries added weight given the fierce rivalry between Al Nassr and Al Hilal, as the veteran forward set aside club rivalries to defend Neves—his teammate with the Portugal national team—and to protect Jota’s memory.
How Ruben Neves Responded
Neves appeared visibly affected by the chants during the match before pointing toward the sky and sarcastically applauding the stands, offering a clear dedication to the memory of his late friend.
Following the final whistle, the Al Hilal midfielder delivered a sharp message to the fans involved, stating: “I hope they do not go to pray after what they did,” rejecting the exploitation of Jota’s death as a means to place him under mental pressure.
Why the Incident Sparked Outrage From Ronaldo and Neves
Neves shared a deep personal friendship with Jota, having played alongside him at Wolverhampton Wanderers and for the Portugal national team. The Al Hilal midfielder previously described his late teammate as family rather than merely a friend.
Neves was deeply impacted by the tragedy, serving as a pallbearer during Jota’s funeral service. Meanwhile, members of the Portuguese national team, led by Ronaldo, have repeatedly honored the late Liverpool forward’s memory.
Jota tragically lost his life alongside his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025, following a car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora at the age of 28, remaining one of the most painful losses for Portuguese football in recent years.
