Ronaldo condemns Al-Taawoun chants and backs Neves, calling for stadium bans | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo has defended compatriot Ruben Neves after Al-Taawoun supporters targeted the Al-Hilal midfielder with provocative chants, urging authorities to act and calling for stadium bans.

Al-Taawoun fans chanted the name of Diogo Jota, a compatriot and late friend of Neves. The former Liverpool player died in a tragic accident last year. The apparent aim was to provoke the Al-Hilal man during the game, and the incident left Neves furious.

The video spread quickly across social media, prompting Ronaldo to respond on his official Instagram account. "The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour. This no longer has anything to do with football, and limits must be set. People who behave in this way should never be allowed into stadiums again."

At full time, Neves walked past the media and declined to address the chants directly. Instead he offered a brief rebuke.

"I hope Al-Taawoun's fans do not go to prayers," Neves said. The remark pointed to behaviour he saw as running against human values, principles and the heavenly religions.

Source: Goal.com

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