Overview
- Video that circulated from the Sept. 12 match showed sections of Al-Taawoun supporters chanting “Jota” in the direction of Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, who had publicly mourned his close friend Diogo Jota after the player’s death in July 2025.
- The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s Discipline and Ethics Committee fined Al-Taawoun 100,000 riyals and ordered the club to play its next two home league matches behind closed doors, with the decision declared unappealable.
- Clubs and public figures condemned the chants, Al-Hilal filed a formal complaint with SAFF, and Cristiano Ronaldo called for lifetime stadium bans for the individuals involved.
- Al-Taawoun issued a statement disavowing the behaviour and Al-Hilal fans later staged visible shows of support for Neves, including cards forming his number and a banner reading 'Together beyond football.'
- Authorities said further measures against individuals remain possible, and the case highlights pressure on Saudi football authorities to protect player welfare and the league’s international reputation as it grows.