Cristiano Ronaldo demands lifetime stadium bans for fans over offensive chants
Riyadh, 13 September 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime stadium bans after fans chanted the name of deceased player Diogo Jota to taunt Portugal teammate Rúben Neves during a Saudi match.
A Regrettable Incident in Buraidah
The controversy erupted on Saturday, 12 September 2026, during a Saudi Roshn League seventh-round fixture between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal in Buraidah [2][3]. Although Al-Hilal secured a dominant 6-0 victory on the pitch, the match was overshadowed by hostile behaviour from a section of the home supporters [1][3]. Some Al-Taawoun fans repeatedly chanted the name of the late Portuguese forward Diogo Jota at Al-Hilal’s midfielder, Rúben Neves, in a deliberate attempt to provoke him [1][3]. Jota, who scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and made 49 appearances for Portugal, tragically died in a car crash alongside his brother, André Silva, in the Spanish province of Zamora in July 2025 at the age of 28 [1][2].
Ronaldo Calls for Decisive Action
The incident quickly drew the attention of Portuguese icon and Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside both Neves and Jota for the national team [1][3]. Taking to social media, Ronaldo demanded the highest level of discipline from league authorities, arguing that those responsible should face lifetime bans [1][2]. “The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour,” Ronaldo posted [1]. “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” [1][2].
Al-Hilal Files Formal Complaint
Al-Hilal supported Ronaldo’s sentiments, releasing a strongly worded statement on their official website to condemn the behaviour [3]. The club described the collective chants as unacceptable actions that “contradict sporting values and ethics” and cross the boundaries of healthy sporting rivalry [3]. Al-Hilal emphasised that intense competition must never justify exploiting the personal tragedy or grief of players [3].