Al Taawoun Fined and Punished for Fans' Cruel Chants
Al Taawoun have been fined 100,000 riyals ($26,660) and ordered to play their next two league games behind closed doors after a section of their supporters mocked the death of Portugal star Diogo Jota during a Saudi Pro League clash with Al Hilal.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, September 12, as Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves stood over a free kick at Al Taawoun’s ground. From the stands, a chant cut through the noise: “Jota! Jota! Jota!” aimed directly at Neves, a close friend and former teammate of the late forward.
The footage spread quickly across social media. Neves’ reaction said as much as any statement. He responded with a slow, sarcastic applause and a thumbs up, then lifted his hand to the sky before pointing back at the fans, making clear he understood exactly what was being shouted.
Neves and Jota shared dressing rooms at Porto, Wolves and with the Portugal national team. Neves even served as a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral. The bond between them ran deep, which made the taunts all the more vicious.
Swift Action by SAFF
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation moved swiftly.
“The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Saudi Professional League express their condemnation of the unacceptable behavior exhibited by some fans during the Al-Taawoun vs. Al-Hilal match in the seventh round of the Saudi Professional League. This behavior is contrary to the values of Saudi football and sportsmanship,” SAFF said in a statement.
“SAFF and the League emphasize that exploiting personal tragedies to incite or provoke is unacceptable and has no place in Saudi football.”
The punishment was firm: a 100,000-riyal fine for Al Taawoun and two home matches to be played without supporters. An empty stadium as a direct response to those few minutes of chanting.
Reactions from Players
The backlash did not stop with the authorities. Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside both Neves and Jota for Portugal, weighed in publicly, replying to an Instagram post that showed the incident.
“The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior,” Ronaldo wrote. “This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again.”
His words underlined the sense of anger and disgust among players who knew Jota personally and understood the weight of the loss.
Al Taawoun's Response
Al Taawoun themselves moved to distance the club from the chants, issuing a statement after the match.
“Such behavior is completely unacceptable and does not represent Al Taawoun Club, its fans, or the values for which the club’s stands are known,” the club said.
“Sports competition cannot be a justification for insulting, belittling, or bullying others at the expense of anyone’s feelings.”
The message from all sides was clear: passion is welcome, cruelty is not. The next time Al Taawoun walk out at home, the silence in the stands will serve as a stark reminder of where that line is drawn.
