Al-Taawoun sanctioned for provocative chants targeting Ruben Neves

The Saudi Arabian football club Al-Taawoun has been sanctioned following provocative chants by its supporters directed at Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. During a match, fans repeatedly chanted the name of Diogo Jota, a former teammate and close friend of Neves who died in a car accident last year.

As a result of the incident, Al-Taawoun has been ordered to play two home league matches behind closed doors and must pay a fine of 100,000 Saudi riyals (approximately £20,000). The provocation occurred prior to Al-Taawoun’s 6-0 victory in the match.