Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime stadium bans for supporters who mocked Ruben Neves with chants referencing the death of his close friend and former Portugal teammate, Diogo Jota.

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, during Al-Taawoun’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Hilal at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah.

Al-Hilal cruised to a 6-0 victory, but the emphatic result was overshadowed by chants directed at Neves by a section of the home support.

Neves Targeted With Jota Chants

With Neves preparing to take a free-kick in the 75th minute, supporters in the home end could be heard repeatedly chanting “Jota! Jota! Jota!”

The chants were apparently intended to provoke the Portuguese midfielder by referencing the death of his close friend.

Video footage of the incident quickly circulated on social media, showing Neves visibly affected by the chants. The Al-Hilal midfielder responded by sarcastically applauding the supporters before giving them a thumbs-up.

He then pointed towards his eye before raising his hand towards the sky in what appeared to be an emotional tribute to Jota.

Neves was substituted after playing 75 minutes.

Following the match, the 28-year-old expressed his anger when speaking to reporters in the mixed zone.

“I just hope they don't go to pray afterwards,” Neves said.

Jota’s Death Still Felt Deeply

Jota died alongside his younger brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025. He was 28.

The tragedy had a profound impact on Neves, who shared a long-standing friendship with the former Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers forward.

The pair played together at FC Porto, Wolves and with the Portugal national team.

Neves was also among the pallbearers at Jota’s funeral and has continued to honour his friend’s memory. He wears the number 21 shirt for Portugal in tribute to Jota and has a tattoo depicting the two embracing.

Ronaldo Demands Strong Punishment

Ronaldo, who captained both Jota and Neves for Portugal, reacted angrily after footage of the incident emerged.

The Al-Nassr captain called on football authorities to impose severe sanctions on supporters who engage in such behaviour.

“The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour. 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,” Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram comment.

His response quickly attracted widespread attention, reportedly receiving more than two million likes within 12 hours.

Al-Hilal Files Formal Complaint

Al-Hilal has also taken action following the incident, confirming that the club has submitted a formal complaint to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

“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,” the club said in a statement.

The Saudi Pro League has condemned the chants and confirmed that an investigation is underway.

The incident has reignited the debate over the limits of football rivalry and the responsibility of supporters inside stadiums.

While fierce competition and banter remain part of the