SEO Title: Al-Taawoun given two-match stadium ban after chants targeting Ruben Neves
SEO Description: Saudi authorities have punished Al-Taawoun with two home matches behind closed doors and a 100,000-riyal fine after supporters invoked the late Diogo Jota to target Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves.
A heavy Al-Hilal victory was followed by an even heavier consequence off the pitch, after chants aimed at Ruben Neves crossed a line in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Taawoun punished after Jota chants aimed at Neves
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s disciplinary and ethics commission has ordered Al-Taawoun to stage their next two home fixtures without spectators. The club has also received a fine of 100,000 riyals, approximately €23,000.
- The punishment followed incidents during Saturday’s Saudi Pro League match between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal.
- Al-Hilal won the game 6-0 away from home.
- During the match, sections of the Al-Taawoun crowd chanted the name of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota in an attempt to unsettle Neves.
- Jota died alongside his brother in a car accident on 3 July 2025.
- Neves was a close friend of Jota and had been among the pallbearers at the funeral of his former Portugal team-mate.
Neves responds and clubs condemn conduct
Neves reacted during the match by gesturing towards his eye before pointing to the sky. After the final whistle, the Al-Hilal midfielder said: “I hope they do not go and pray afterwards.”
The chants drew widespread criticism, including from Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who called on the authorities to impose strong action.
Al-Hilal lodged a complaint with the Saudi federation, describing the chanting as offensive and unacceptable. Al-Taawoun also condemned the actions of those involved, insisting that the behaviour did not reflect either the club or its wider support.
