Al Taawoun fined and matches closed after fan chants about Diogo Jota
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 4:05 PM
Last updated Sep 16, 2026

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has fined Al Taawoun 100,000 riyals ($26,660) and mandated that the club play its next two league matches behind closed doors. This action follows chants from Al Taawoun's fans during a match against Al Hilal on September 12, where they called out the name of the late Portugal star Diogo Jota. Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, a close friend of Jota, acknowledged the fans' chants during the match. The Federation condemned the behavior, stating it contradicts the values of sportsmanship, and emphasized that exploiting personal tragedies has no place in the sport. Cristiano Ronaldo criticized the incident on social media, calling for action against such fan behavior.
- •Al Taawoun fined 100,000 riyals and matches closed to fans.
- •Chants about Diogo Jota occurred during match against Al Hilal.
- •Ruben Neves acknowledged the chants while taking a free kick.
- •Saudi Arabian Football Federation condemned the fan behavior.
- •Cristiano Ronaldo called for action against unacceptable fan conduct.
- 4:05 PMYahoo Sports — Soccer club punished after fans taunted players about teammate's death
"Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves stood over a free kick during a game at Al Taawoun, with the club's fans audibly chanting the late Portugal star's name.
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