Football: Al-Taawoun FC Sanctioned for Supporters Chanting
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
Saudi Pro League Al-Taawoun FC has been ordered to play two home league matches behind closed doors after their supporters taunted Al-Hilal Saudi Club midfielder Ruben Neves regarding the death of his Portuguese team-mate Diogo Jota.
The club has also been fined 100,000 Saudi Riyals (around €23,000).
Jota died in a car crash in July 2025, aged 28, and was a close friend of Neves, who now wears the number 21 shirt for Portugal in Jota's memory, and has a tattoo on his calf of Jota and him embracing. He was also a pallbearer at Jota's funeral.
Al-Taawoun FC supporters targeted Neves on 12 September 2026 by shouting repeatedly "Jota" at him.
The club stated that:
"Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not represent the club, its fans, or the values for which the club is known.”
And added that:
"Sports competition cannot be a justification for insulting, belittling, or bullying others at the expense of anyone's feelings."
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
