Ronaldo demands lifetime bans after fans’ disgraceful chants target Neves referencing late player Jota; what happened?

Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime stadium bans after supporters directed chants of “Jota, Jota, Jota” at Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match. The incident took place at Al Taawoun’s stadium over the weekend, and the Portuguese legend is not leaving it at any cost. 

Jota lost his life in an unfortunate car accident in Zamora, Spain. Both Ronaldo and Neves shared a dressing room with the late Liverpool star for the national side of Portugal. In fact, Neves and Jota shared a long history at Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers alongside their time at the national team. Following the incident, Ronaldo is not holding back as he wants the disrespectful fans banned. 

Ronaldo wants lifetime ban for fans disrespecting late player Jota targeting Neves

As Neves prepared to take a free-kick, standing next to his teammate Crysencio Summerville, sections of the crowd repeatedly chanted the name of the late Diogo Jota. Video of the moment circulated widely on social media. Jota, a former Portugal international and close friend of Neves, died in a car crash in Spain in July 2025 along with his brother. 

Neves has previously paid public tribute to his friend, including a calf tattoo of the pair embracing. He reacted visibly during the game, sarcastically applauding the fans, pointing skyward and gesturing towards Al Taawoun's home arena. 

After the match he told reporters, as per ESPN, he hoped the supporters “don’t go to pray later after what they did.” Meanwhile, Romaldo addressed the incident on Instagram. He wrote in a post that shared the footage: