Cristiano Ronaldo Demands Lifetime Stadium Bans for Fans Who Taunted Rúben Neves Over Diogo Jota
Cristiano Ronaldo has called on the Saudi Pro League to issue lifetime stadium bans to any supporter found to have participated in the taunting of Rúben Neves with chants about the late Diogo Jota during a match on Saturday. The incident occurred at Al Taawoun’s home stadium as Neves prepared to take a free kick alongside Al Hilal teammate Crysencio Summerville.
Neves Targeted With Chants About Late Teammate
Diogo Jota was killed alongside his brother in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, in July 2025. Both Neves and Ronaldo were international teammates of Jota with Portugal. Footage circulating on social media on Saturday captured audible chants of “Jota, Jota, Jota” directed at Neves. The midfielder appeared to react by sarcastically applauding and giving a thumbs up to the supporters before pointing to the sky and his own eye, then gesturing toward the section from which the chanting originated.
After the match, Neves walked through the mixed zone and addressed reporters directly:
“I just hope they don’t go to pray later after what they did.”
Ronaldo’s Instagram Statement Demands Action
Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr but earned numerous Portugal caps alongside Neves and Jota, responded forcefully in a comment on an Instagram post showing footage of the incident. He wrote:
“The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior. This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again,”
Neves and Jota Shared Deep Bond From Youth to Senior Level
The two midfielders grew close after progressing through youth teams together for Portugal and Porto before becoming teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Their connection extended beyond the pitch; Neves served as a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral and inherited Jota’s Portugal No. 21 shirt last year.
Al Hilal Extend Lead Atop Saudi Pro League Table
On the field, Al Hilal retained top spot in the Saudi Pro League with a commanding 6-0 victory over Al Taawoun. Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat trick, while England international Ollie Watkins netted a brace to secure the three points.
