Soccer-Ronaldo calls for lifetime bans after 'Jota' chants aimed at Neves
Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime stadium bans for fans who taunted Ruben Neves with chants about his late friend Diogo Jota. Both Al-Hilal and Al-Taawoun have condemned the behavior and filed official complaints.
Why it matters
Addresses the growing issue of fan conduct and harassment in professional sports, prompting calls for stricter disciplinary measures.
Sept 13 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo said on Sunday that fans who appeared to make chants referencing former teammate Diogo Jota at Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match should be banned from football stadiums for life.
The chants occurred on Saturday during a fixture between Al-Taawoun and Neves' side Al-Hilal in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.
Jota died on July 3, 2025, in a car crash inZamora, northwestern Spain, along with his brother Andre Silva. A close friend of Jota,Neves was a pallbearer at his funeral.
Footage filmed from the stands during the match and circulated on social media appeared to show supporters chanting 'Jota'.
The shouts attracted the attention of Neves, who pointed to his eye and then up to the sky in response.
Passing through the mixed zone after the game,Neves commented, "I hope they don't go to pray afterwards."
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