Saudi federation orders Al-Taawoun to play next two home games behind closed doors after Diogo Jota chants | OneFootball

Al-Taawoun have been ordered to play their next two home fixtures behind closed doors after fans chanted Diogo Jota’s name to unsettle Ruben Neves.

According to L'Équipe, the Saudi Football Federation’s disciplinary and ethics commission ordered the sanction on Tuesday and fined the club 100,000 riyals, about 23,000 euros, after incidents in the stands.

The chants came during Saturday’s Saudi Pro League match against Al-Hilal, which the visitors won 6-0. Supporters chanted the name of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who died with his brother in a car crash on 3 July 2025, aiming to unsettle Neves. The Al-Hilal midfielder is a close friend and was among the pallbearers at the funeral of his former Seleção team-mate.

Neves gestured to his eye then pointed skywards, and later said he hoped those responsible would not go and pray afterwards. The scenes drew widespread criticism, notably from Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who urged the authorities to take strong action.

Al-Hilal have filed a complaint with the Saudi Football Federation, calling the chants offensive and unacceptable, while Al-Taawoun condemned the behaviour as not representative of the club or its supporters.

Source: L'Équipe

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