‘There have to be limits’: Cristiano Ronaldo wants lifetime bans for fans taunting Neves with late Diogo Jota’s name

Cristiano Ronaldo has called for supporters to face lifetime stadium bans after Rúben Neves was taunted with chants about his late friend and former Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota during Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Taawoun.The incident occurred during Saturday’s match in Buraidah, where Al-Hilal cruised to a 6-0 victory over Al-Taawoun, a result that saw them retain top spot in the league. Neves was visibly angered by what was happening in the stands, with footage circulating on social media appearing to show Al-Taawoun supporters chanting “Jota, Jota, Jota” while he prepared to take a free kick alongside Al-Hilal team-mate Crysencio Summerville.Neves appeared to respond by sarcastically applauding and giving the supporters a thumbs up before pointing towards the sky and then towards his own eye, while also gesturing in the direction of the chanting.After the final whistle, the midfielder offered a brief but pointed response when he walked through the mixed zone.“I just hope they don't go to pray later after what they did,” Neves told reporters.Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr and was also a Portugal team-mate of both Neves and Jota, has now called on the Saudi Pro League to take action against anyone involved.Cristiano Ronaldo demands lifetime stadium bansRonaldo responded to an Instagram post showing footage of the incident by calling for the league to impose the strongest possible punishment on supporters found to have participated in the chanting.“The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior. This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again,” he wrote.His comments came after the incident appeared to deeply affect Neves, whose connection with Jota stretched back well beyond their time together in the Portugal senior team.Jota died alongside his brother when the car they were travelling in crashed in Zamora, Spain, in July 2025. Neves and Jota had first grown close after coming through the Porto system before continuing their careers together at Wolverhampton Wanderers. They also played together for Portugal and remained close as their careers developed.Neves was a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral and inherited his Portugal No. 21 shirt following his death.Neves has also spoken publicly about the grief he experienced after losing his friend.For now, the Saudi Pro League faces the question of whether it will take disciplinary action against the supporters involved, after Ronaldo made clear that he believes the punishment should go as far as a lifetime ban from stadiums.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.