Al-Taawoun hit with fine and fan ban over chants at Ruben Neves | OneFootball

The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has punished Al-Taawoun after offensive chants were aimed at Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves during their match. According to Goal.com, the ruling targets the club for the behaviour of some supporters.

Al-Taawoun have been fined 100,000 riyals, payable to the federation, and must play two consecutive home matches behind closed doors.

A section of the club’s fans targeted Neves by exploiting the death of his compatriot and friend Diogo Jota, prompting widespread anger inside and outside the Saudi sporting community.

Al-Hilal lodged an official complaint after the incident. Al-Taawoun later stated they reject the chants as individual acts that do not represent the club or its fans, and said they are ready to take necessary measures against those responsible.

The committee said the ruling is not subject to appeal, making it final and enforceable. The decision draws a line under a controversy that highlighted the exploitation of personal tragedy in sport.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”