Rabat – Cristiano Ronaldo has condemned chants from some Al-Taawoun supporters targeting Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match against Al-Hilal, according to French sports outlet Foot Mercato.
The incident reportedly occurred during Al-Taawoun’s game against Al-Hilal, when some home supporters chanted the name of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who died on July 3, 2025.
The chants were directed at Neves, a close friend and former teammate of Jota, in an apparent attempt to provoke the midfielder.
The incident sparked widespread criticism, with several figures in Portuguese football expressing their disapproval of the behavior.
Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr, also reacted to the incident and called on the Saudi Pro League to take action.
“The league must act and punish this kind of fan behavior. This is no longer football, and there must be limits,” Ronaldo said.
The Portuguese star also called for supporters involved in such incidents to face serious consequences.
“People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again,” he added.
Jota, who was 28, died in a car accident in Spain alongside his younger brother André Silva. His death shocked the football world and prompted tributes from clubs, players, and football organizations around the world.
Ronaldo’s comments add to the growing criticism of the chants and underline calls for greater respect and responsibility among football supporters.
