Cristiano Ronaldo has called for strict action against Al-Taawoun supporters following chants directed at the memory of Diogo Jota during a Saudi Pro League match.
The incident reportedly occurred during the game as some Al-Taawoun fans attempted to provoke Portugal midfielder Rúben Neves by chanting about his late friend and former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota.
Neves, who was visibly affected by the chants, reacted strongly after the match and expressed his disappointment at the behaviour of the supporters.
“After what they did tonight against Diogo Jota — I hope they don’t go and pray,” Neves said after the game.
The incident has sparked criticism, with Cristiano Ronaldo also appearing to call for the Saudi football authorities to take firm action against those involved.
Ronaldo stressed that there should be clear limits when it comes to what supporters are allowed to say inside football stadiums, particularly when comments target a person who has passed away.
“The league needs to act and punish this kind of behaviour from fans. This is no longer football — and there have to be limits,” Ronaldo stated in a comment.
The Portugal captain also suggested that supporters responsible for such conduct should face stadium bans to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
“People who behave like this should never be allowed into a stadium again,” Ronaldo added.
The controversy comes as Saudi football continues to attract significant international attention, with some of the biggest names in world football now playing in the country.
Diogo Jota, who was a close friend of Neves, was widely respected during his career and his memory remains deeply significant to his teammates, friends and supporters.
The chants have therefore been viewed by many as crossing the line between normal football rivalry and unacceptable personal abuse.
The incident is now expected to draw further attention from the relevant Saudi football authorities, with calls growing for disciplinary measures against the supporters involved.
For Neves and those close to Jota, the episode has highlighted the importance of maintaining respect and dignity in football, even during intense matches and rivalries.
