Ronaldo calls for lifetime bans over Jota chants

Cristiano Ronaldo called for lifetime stadium bans for fans who chanted the name of the late Diogo Jota at Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match. The incident occurred in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, during the match between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal, Dawn reports.

Ronaldo and Neves react

A video recorded in the stands and circulated on social media allegedly captured some spectators chanting “Jota.” Neves noticed the chants, pointed to his eye and then gestured toward the sky. After the game, he expressed hope that these people would not go to pray later.

Ronaldo responded to an Instagram post featuring the video. He said the league must take action and punish such fan behavior. According to the footballer, people who act this way should no longer be allowed to enter stadiums.

Diogo Jota died on July 3, 2025, in a car crash in Zamora in northwestern Spain together with his brother, Andre Silva. Neves was a close friend of Jota and carried his coffin at the funeral. The match ended with a 6-0 victory for Al-Hilal, while Neves spent 75 minutes on the pitch.

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Club complaint and football authorities’ response

Al-Hilal said it had filed a complaint with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The club said actions directed against footballers, their families, or intended as personal insults were unacceptable.

Al-Taawoun also condemned the offensive chants and said that, in coordination with the relevant authorities, it would take the necessary measures to prevent a repeat of the incident and hold the offenders accountable.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Saudi Pro League called the behavior of some fans contrary to the values of Saudi football and the principles of sporting ethics. The federation said the relevant committees had identified the conduct in question and would act under the existing rules and procedures. The outcome of the review is to be announced after the process is completed.

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