Cristiano Ronaldo has urged the Saudi Pro League to impose lifetime stadium bans on fans involved in taunting Ruben Neves with chants of Diogo Jota’s name during Al Hilal’s 6–0 win at Al Taawoun.

The Al Nassr forward made the demand in an Instagram comment, marking the highest-profile reaction to an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation across football.

Ronaldo Demands Permanent Bans After Jota Chants Target Neves

Ronaldo took to Instagram to call for action from the Saudi Pro League after video footage showed Neves being targeted by supporters chanting "Jota, Jota, Jota" during a stoppage in play.

“The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour,” Ronaldo wrote in response to posts about the incident. “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's comments also drew attention because of his relationship with Neves and Jota. The Al Nassr forward played alongside both players for Portugal and remains one of the biggest names in Saudi football.

His call for lifetime bans could put pressure on the Saudi Pro League to take a stronger stance on fan misconduct, although the league has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

What Happened During Al Hilal’s Win At Al Taawoun

The incident occurred during Al Hilal’s dominant 6–0 victory in Buraidah, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a hat-trick and Ollie Watkins adding two goals.

Video footage circulating on social media shows Neves standing near the home fans while preparing to take a free-kick, with chants of “Jota, Jota, Jota” clearly audible from the stands. Neves responded with a sarcastic clap directed at the section before pointing to his eye and then upward in a gesture interpreted as “God is watching you.”

After the final whistle, the Al Hilal midfielder addressed reporters in the mixed zone. “I just hope they don’t go to pray later after what they did,” Neves said. He did not say anything else about the incident.

The chants were seen as provocative because of the close friendship between Neves and Jota, who died in a car crash in July 2025.

Why Fans’ Jota Chants Sparked Outrage And What Disciplinary Action Could Follow

Neves and Jota were close friends and teammates at Porto, Wolves, and with Portugal. Neves lived near Jota in Wolverhampton, spent time with him and his family, and later served as a pallbearer at his funeral.

Following Jota’s death at the age of 28, Neves was assigned Portugal’s No. 21 shirt by manager Roberto Martínez and has worn it in his memory. He also has a calf tattoo depicting him and Jota embracing.

Liverpool, Jota’s former club, retired his No. 20 shirt across all levels, the first time in the club’s history that it has officially retired a shirt number.

The Athletic has contacted Al Hilal, the Saudi Pro League, and Neves’ representatives for comment, but none has issued a statement. It remains unclear whether the league will open an investigation, identify those involved, or impose any disciplinary measures.

Al Taawoun and Al Hilal have also yet to issue public statements about the incident.