Cristiano Ronaldo has urged the Saudi Pro League to consider lifetime bans for fans after a section of Al Taawoun supporters reportedly chanted the late Diogo Jota's name.
On Saturday, Al Hilal overpowered Al Taawoun 6-0 in the SPL with Portuguese star Ruben Neves playing a key role and Gabriel Martinelli scoring a hat-trick. The win took Al Hilal back to the top of the SPL table with 18 points.
After the game, a video emerged of Neves engaging with Al Taawoun supporters, who chanted “Jota, Jota”, seemingly referring to the Portugal player who tragically passed away in a car accident last year.
Portugal veteran Ronaldo took to social media, commenting on a video of the incident, stating that strict action must be taken against fans.
“The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Al Hilal revealed the club has launched a formal investigation in the matter.
"Al Hilal has noted the offensive and unacceptable chants directed by a section of Al Taawoun supporters at Al Hilal’s Portuguese player, Ruben Neves. This behavior contravenes sporting values and ethics, transcending the boundaries of competition and fan support," the club said in a statement.
"Al Hilal announced that it has initiated formal procedures by filing a complaint with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation regarding the incident, aiming to safeguard the rights of the club and its players and ensure that such violations are addressed in accordance with established regulations.
"Al Hilal expressed its confidence in the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to take measures that protect the integrity of sporting competition. This is particularly important given the widespread international attention this incident has garnered and the potential for such behavior to create negative repercussions."
Al Taawoun also released a statement via social media, saying they would punish those responsible.
"The club stresses its rejection of any abuse, regardless of its source or its target, and will take all necessary measures in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure that it is not repeated and to deter anyone who oversteps the mark. Al Taawoun Club will remain firm in its position supporting a high-quality sporting environment befitting the name, standing and values of Saudi sport," the statement read.
Neves was one of the closest friends of Jota and carried his coffin during the funeral. Neves and Ronaldo wore Jota's 21 number jersey during the Fifa World Cup.
In July last year, Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain.
Jota was in a Lamborghini with his brother when it veered off the road near the town of Zamora, north-western Spain, and burst into flames.
Following Jota's death, Neves paid an emotional tribute on social media, stating, “More than a friendship, we're family, and we won't stop it just because now you decided to sign a contract a little further away from us.
“When I go to Selecao, you'll still be next to me at the dinner table, on the bus, on the plane … you'll always be there with me as always. Let's keep laughing, making plans, sharing our life with each other.”
The Saudi Pro League and Saudi federation released a joint statement on Monday vowing to take the "necessary action".
"SAFF and SPL stress that exploiting personal tragedies for the purpose of abuse or provocation is unacceptable behaviour that has no place in Saudi football," the statement read. "SAFF confirms that the relevant committees have identified the conduct in question and will take the necessary action in accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures. The outcome will be announced upon completion of the relevant process."
Ronaldo's next assignment is against UAE club Al Ain in the Asian Champions League on Tuesday.
