Al-Taawoun ordered to play behind closed doors after fan chants
Saudi Pro League club Al-Taawoun have been ordered to play two home matches behind closed doors after supporters targeted Ruben Neves with chants about his late friend Diogo Jota, reports BritPanorama.
The club has also incurred a fine of 100,000 Saudi riyals – approximately £20,000 – following the distressing incidents during their 6-0 loss to Al-Hilal. Footage circulating on social media shows a section of Al-Taawoun supporters repeatedly chanting Jota’s name at Neves during the match.
In response, the Portuguese midfielder pointed towards the sky and gestured towards his eyes as he looked at the crowd. Neves seemed to indicate that “God is watching” before refocusing on the game. The incident drew a strong condemnation from Cristiano Ronaldo, who called for lifetime stadium bans for those responsible, asserting that their actions transcended normal football rivalry.
“The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour,” Ronaldo stated on Instagram. He further emphasised the need for limits in what is considered acceptable behaviour in sport. Neves alluded to the incident in the mixed zone after the match, suggesting that the fans’ conduct was incongruent with their faith. “I hope they don’t go to prayer later,” he told reporters, juxtaposing the supporters’ actions with religious principles.
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, tragically died in a car crash in northern Spain in July 2025. Jota, aged 28 at the time of his death, had formed a close friendship with Neves during their time together at Wolverhampton Wanderers and with the Portugal national team. Neves has continued to honour Jota’s memory in various ways, including unveiling a tattoo depicting their embrace. He was also one of the pallbearers at Jota’s funeral, maintaining a connection with Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, who married the footballer just 11 days before the accident.
Saudi Arabia international Saleh Abu Al-Shamat also spoke out against the chants, labelling them “wrong and unacceptable”. He highlighted that sporting rivalry should never justify mocking someone who has passed away, stating, “No matter how intense the rivalry or the situation, we should never stoop to gloating over the dead.” His remarks reflect a broader commitment within Saudi football to promote values of “love, tolerance, and respect” through its quickly expanding global platform.
In a world where sport often intertwines with sharp rivalries, the events surrounding Al-Taawoun serve as a poignant reminder of the boundaries that should never be crossed. The game, with its capacity to unite fans across divides, should also emphasise the importance of honouring memory over celebrating rivalry.
