Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his opinion. © APA/afp / FADEL SENNA

Cristiano Ronaldo outraged: "Must be punished"

The tasteless “Jota, Jota” chants of some fans directed at Rúben Neves in the Saudi Arabian Pro League have sparked outrage.

September 14, 2026

From: dpa

The Portuguese international was repeatedly provoked by chants referencing Diogo Jota during his club Al-Hilal's match against Al-Taawoun. The former Liverpool star, who died in a car accident in July 2025 along with his brother, was 28 years old and a close friend of Neves. Neves was among the pallbearers at Diogo Jota's funeral.

The Portuguese player responded to the shouts by pointing to the sky and sarcastically applauding the fans. After the match, which Al-Hilal won 6-0, he said of the fans: "I just hope they don't go to prayer later."

Criticism from Ronaldo

Outrage erupted on social media, with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo among the most vocal critics of the action. "The league must take action and punish this fan behavior. This is no longer football, and there must be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed into a stadium again," wrote Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in the league, in an Instagram comment.

Ruben Neves was good friends with Diogo Jota. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / MOLLY DARLINGTON

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Pro League condemned the fans' behavior. "This behavior contradicts the values ​​of Saudi Arabian football and the principles of sportsmanship," the statement read. It is "unacceptable to exploit tragedies for insults or provocations."

Association announces consequences
The association announced consequences, stating that it would take the "necessary measures." "The outcome will be announced after the conclusion of the relevant proceedings," it said.