Omotayo Fashola
(Ronaldo and Jota. Image credit: Punch News)
Al-Taawoun, a Saudi Pro League club, faces disciplinary action after fans targeted Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves with offensive chants referencing the tragic passing of his longtime friend.
The Saudi Football Federation issued sanctions, including a two-match spectator ban at Al-Taawoun’s home stadium and a financial penalty of 100,000 SAR (approximately $26,600).
The incident occurred during Al-Hilal’s dominant 6-1 victory when sections of the crowd repeatedly shouted Diogo Jota’s name at Neves.
Jota, the late Liverpool and Portuguese international, lost his life in a road accident in July 2023 while still in his prime footballing years.
Both players had developed a brotherly relationship during their time together at Wolves and with the Portuguese national team.
Neves has paid multiple emotional tributes since the tragedy – adopting Jota’s former number 21 for Portugal, inking a commemorative tattoo of their friendship, and participating in funeral proceedings.
Visibly distraught post-match, Neves stated such behavior crossed all boundaries of sportsmanship, hoping the incident would prompt reflection among those responsible.
Global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s former national team captain and current Al-Nassr player, demanded severe consequences, advocating for permanent stadium bans against the perpetrators.
Al-Taawoun’s management swiftly distanced itself from the incident, emphasizing zero tolerance for such conduct which contradicts the club’s principles and majority of its fanbase.
