Saudi Club Al-Taawon Sanctioned Over Disrespectful Diogo Jota Chants

Saudi club Al-Taawon has been hit with a significant fine and ordered to play two home matches behind closed doors following fan misconduct. The Saudi soccer federation announced the penalties after videos emerged showing supporters chanting about the late Portuguese forward Diogo Jota during a recent match. The club received a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $26,700) and will have its next two home games played without any spectators.

The federation stated that fans had "chanted phrases and slogans that violated" its ethical guidelines.

The decision, according to the governing body, cannot be appealed, underscoring the severity of the offense.

The incident occurred during Al-Hilal's dominant 6-0 victory against Al-Taawon, where footage circulating online captured Portugal international Ruben Neves visibly reacting to chants of Jota's name.

This was a direct taunt referencing the tragic passing of Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car accident in Spain in July 2025. Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, a former teammate of Jota's, wasted no time in condemning the fans' actions, calling for lifetime bans for those involved.

Taking to Instagram, the Al-Nassr forward commented on a video of the incident, stating, “The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour.

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.” In a show of solidarity and sportsmanship, Al-Hilal fans rallied behind Ruben Neves during their subsequent game against Al-Gharafa on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Supporters held up cards to form a giant number eight, representing Neves's shirt number, and unfurled a banner that read, “Together beyond football.” Neves himself went on to score a penalty in Al-Hilal's 2-1 win, a moment of triumph amidst the earlier controversy.

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