Cristiano Ronaldo demands lifetime stadium bans after Ruben Neves incident

Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime stadium bans following reports that Al Taawoun supporters taunted Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves with chants about the late Diogo Jota. The incident occurred during Al Hilal’s 6-0 victory against Al Taawoun on Saturday, September 12, as Neves prepared to take a free kick. Neves responded to the crowd with sarcastic applause and gestures toward the sky, later remarking on the behavior of the fans. Diogo Jota, who was a close friend and former teammate of Neves, died in a car accident in Spain in July 2025. Ronaldo, a former international teammate of both players, posted on social media that the Saudi Pro League must take action to stop this behavior, describing the conduct as unacceptable. The league has not yet issued a formal response to the incident involving the Al Taawoun supporters.

• 2:55 PMESPN Soccer — Ronaldo calls for liftetime bans after Neves taunted by Jota chants
• 1:51 PMYahoo Sports — Cristiano Ronaldo demands lifetime bans for fans chanting Diogo Jota's name at Ruben Neves