# Al-Taawoun sanctioned for misconduct targeting Ruben Neves

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fan-misconduct-targeting-ruben-neves-in-saudi-pro-league
> Updated: 2026-09-15T00:00:12.000Z. Sources: 90. Developments: 2.

Following investigations into misconduct targeting Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has sanctioned Al-Taawoun. The disciplinary committee ordered the club to play its next two home matches behind closed doors and imposed a fine of 100,000 Saudi riyals.

The sanctions follow an incident during a match—which resulted in a 6-0 victory for Al-Hilal—where Al-Taawoun supporters repeatedly chanted the name of the late Diogo Jota to taunt Neves. Jota, a former teammate and close friend of Neves, died in a car accident in July 2025 at age 28. Neves has previously honored Jota through his jersey number and tattoos.

Al-Taawoun management has condemned the behavior, asserting that such actions do not represent the club or its values, stating that ‘sports competition cannot be a justification for insulting, belittling, or bullying others.’

Cristiano Ronaldo, who played with both Neves and the late Jota for the Portuguese national team, criticized the incident and called for severe consequences, suggesting those responsible should face lifetime stadium bans. He stated, ‘This is no longer football, and there have to be limits.’

Following the match, Neves expressed his personal disappointment regarding the supporters' actions, stating, ‘I just hope they don’t go to pray later after what they did.’

## Claims

- Cristiano Ronaldo called for lifetime stadium bans for fans who chanted about the late Diogo Jota. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Ruben Neves expressed his frustration following chants directed at him regarding Diogo Jota. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The chants occurred during a Saudi Pro League match between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Al-Hilal filed a complaint with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation regarding the incident. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Al-Taawoun condemned the behavior of the fans and pledged to coordinate with authorities to prevent recurrence. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Diogo Jota died in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: Al-Taawoun sanctioned over chants targeting Ruben Neves

Al-Taawoun has been fined 100,000 riyals and ordered to play two home matches without fans after supporters used the name of the late Diogo Jota to taunt Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-demands-lifetime-bans-for-fans-over-jota-chants

### 2026-09-12: Ruben Neves targeted by chants for late friend Diogo Jota

Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime stadium bans after Al-Taawoun fans taunted Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves by chanting the name of his late friend, Diogo Jota, during a Saudi Pro League match.

68 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ruben-neves-condemns-al-taawoun-fans-for-chanting-late-teammates-name

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Cite as: Al-Taawoun sanctioned for misconduct targeting Ruben Neves. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fan-misconduct-targeting-ruben-neves-in-saudi-pro-league