started · updated
Al-Taawoun sanctioned over chants targeting Ruben Neves
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has sanctioned Al-Taawoun following offensive chants directed at Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. During a match that ended in a 6-0 victory for Al-Hilal, supporters repeatedly chanted the name of Diogo Jota, a former teammate and close friend of Neves who died in a car accident in July 2025.
As a result of the disciplinary breach, Al-Taawoun has been ordered to play its next two home matches behind closed doors and must pay a fine of 100,000 Saudi riyals. The club issued a statement condemning the behavior, asserting that such actions do not represent the club or its values.
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Al-Nassr, criticized the incident and called for lifetime stadium bans for the fans involved. Neves expressed his disappointment after the match, stating, “I just hope they don’t go to pray later after what they did.”
Entities
Al-Hilal · Al-Hilal SFC · Al-Taawoun · Al-Taawoun FC · Cristiano Ronaldo · Diogo Jota · Ruben Neves · Saudi Arabian Football Federation · Saudi Pro League
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Cristiano Ronaldo called for lifetime stadium bans for fans who chanted about the late Diogo Jota. www.elbuentono.com.mx · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Al-Hilal filed a complaint with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation regarding the incident. www.elbuentono.com.mx · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ruben Neves expressed his frustration following chants directed at him regarding Diogo Jota. www.elbuentono.com.mx · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The chants occurred during a Saudi Pro League match between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal. www.elbuentono.com.mx · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Al-Taawoun condemned the behavior of the fans and pledged to coordinate with authorities to prevent recurrence. www.elbuentono.com.mx · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Diogo Jota died in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025. www.elbuentono.com.mx · www.myjoyonline.com