Saudi Club Hit With Two-Match Stadium Ban Over Jota Death Taunts

Saudi Pro League club Al-Taawoun have been ordered to play their next two home league matches behind closed doors after supporters taunted Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves over the death of his close friend and former teammate, Diogo Jota.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the club have also been fined 100,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to about £20,000, following the incident, which occurred before Al-Hilal’s 6-0 victory over Al-Taawoun on Saturday.

Supporters were reported to have repeatedly shouted “Jota” at Neves during the match build-up, targeting the midfielder over the death of the former Liverpool forward.

Jota died in a car crash in July last year at the age of 28. He had played alongside Neves at Wolverhampton Wanderers and also represented Portugal with him at international level.

Neves has continued to honour the memory of his late friend, including wearing Portugal’s number 21 shirt in his memory and having a tattoo on his calf depicting the pair embracing. He was also among the pallbearers at Jota’s funeral.

Following the match, Neves expressed his disappointment over the supporters’ conduct.

“I just hope they don’t go to pray later after what they did,” the Al-Hilal midfielder told reporters.

The incident also attracted a reaction from Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota for the national team. Ronaldo called for the supporters responsible for the chants to receive lifetime bans.

Al-Taawoun subsequently condemned the behaviour and distanced the club from the actions of the supporters, insisting that the chants did not represent the club or its fan base.

“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not represent the club, its fans, or the values for which the club is known,” the club said in a statement.

The club added that sporting competition should not be used as an excuse to insult, belittle or bully others at the expense of their feelings.

As a result of the disciplinary action, Al-Taawoun will host their next two Saudi Pro League home fixtures without supporters inside the stadium.