Cristiano Ronaldo demands lifetime bans after Ruben Neves taunted with Diogo Jota chants, tell me about this news in (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7589109/2026/09/13/cristiano-ronaldo-diogo-jota-chants-saudi-neves/)
13-09-2026
The report concerns an incident that occurred during Al-Hilal’s 6–0 victory over Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League.During the match, a section of the home supporters taunted Al-Hilal and Portugal midfielder Rúben Neves by chanting the name of his late close friend and international teammate, Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident in July 2025. Video footage from the match showed an emotional Neves confronting the fans who were directing the chants at him.The incident drew widespread condemnation across Portuguese and international football. Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Portugal and Al-Nassr, publicly demanded decisive disciplinary action from the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo stated that such actions cross the line, declaring, “This is no longer football, and there must be limits,” and called for those involved to receive lifetime stadium bans so they are never permitted inside a football stadium again.