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Al-Taawoun sanctioned for misconduct targeting Ruben Neves

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-17 10:11 UTC → 2026-09-17 12:59 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~last~~ 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. The club stated~~ 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.’

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