Ronaldo demands lifetime bans after fans taunt Neves with Diogo Jota chants
Cristiano Ronaldo called for lifetime stadium bans after Saudi Pro League fans chanted Diogo Jota's name at Rúben Neves during a match.
During a Saudi Pro League match between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal on Saturday, supporters appeared to chant Diogo Jota's name at Neves, who was a close friend of the late footballer. Jota died in a car crash in Spain last year.
Neves, who was a pallbearer at Jota's funeral, pointed to his eye and then up to the sky in response. After the game, Neves said: "I hope they don't go to pray afterwards."
Ronaldo commented on footage of the incident, saying the league must take action and that people who behave this way should never enter a stadium again. Al-Hilal won the match 6-0.
Why it mattersThis highlights how social media and viral moments can create opportunities for cruel fan behaviour, even during major matches.
AustraliaAustralian football fans saw this story trend widely across social media, raising questions about online culture and stadium conduct standards.
Corroborated byespn.com.au·bbc.com
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 11 d ago
