Saudi club Al-Taawoun punished after fans taunt Neves over Jota’s death
Saudi Pro League club Al-Taawoun have been ordered to play their next two home league matches behind closed doors after supporters taunted Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves over the death of Diogo Jota.
The club have also been fined 100,000 Saudi Riyals (£20,000) following the incident, which occurred before Al-Hilal’s 6-0 victory on Saturday.
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Fans repeatedly shouted “Jota” at Neves, who was a close friend and former team-mate of the Liverpool forward.
Neves targeted over Jota tragedy
Jota died in a car crash in July last year at the age of 28. He played alongside Neves at Wolverhampton Wanderers and with him for Portugal.
Neves has continued to honour his late friend, wearing Portugal’s number 21 shirt in his memory and having a tattoo on his calf showing the pair embracing. He was also among the pallbearers at Jota’s funeral.
After the match, Neves expressed his disappointment at the supporters’ behaviour.
“I just hope they don’t go to pray later after what they did,” the Al-Hilal midfielder told reporters.
The incident also drew a strong reaction from Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota for Portugal. The Al-Nassr forward called for the supporters responsible to receive lifetime bans.
Club condemns supporters’ actions
Al-Taawoun have distanced themselves from the behaviour and said the chants did not reflect the club or its supporters.
“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not represent the club, its fans, or the values for which the club is known,” the club said in a statement.
“Sports competition cannot be a justification for insulting, belittling, or bullying others at the expense of anyone’s feelings.”
The two-match stadium ban means Al-Taawoun will have to host their next two league fixtures without supporters.