The Saudi Football Federation has moved decisively, with Al-Taawoun punished after offensive chants targeting the late Portuguese striker Diogo Jota during a league match against Al-Hilal.
Two home games behind closed doors and a heavy fine
The federation’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee has ordered Al-Taawoun to play its next two home games behind closed doors.
The club has also been fined 100,000 riyals, around 23,000 euros.
The sanctions follow the behaviour of some fans during the 6–0 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Chants about Diogo Jota aimed at unsettling Ruben Neves
During the game, sections of the Al-Taawoun crowd repeatedly chanted the name of Diogo Jota.
The Portuguese forward, a former top-level player, died in a car accident in July 2025, along with his brother.
According to the reported details, the chants were intended to unsettle Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, a close friend of Jota.
On the pitch, Ruben Neves reacted by pointing to the sky in tribute to his late friend, before saying after the match: “I hope they don’t go to pray afterwards.”
Al-Hilal files a complaint, Al-Taawoun condemns its fans’ behaviour
After the game, Al-Hilal formally contacted the Saudi federation to denounce what it described as offensive and unacceptable chants.
Al-Taawoun, for its part, condemned the behaviour of the supporters involved.
The club stressed that these actions did not reflect its values or those of its wider fan base.
The Disciplinary Committee’s decision is a direct response to an episode seen as crossing ethical lines in football.
A controversy that resonates beyond the pitch
The incident has triggered reactions far beyond Saudi Arabia.
Several well-known football figures expressed outrage at the use of a deceased player’s memory as a tool of provocation.
Cristiano Ronaldo was among those who publicly called for action against those responsible for the chants.
For Moroccan fans and Moroccans living abroad, many of whom closely follow the Saudi Pro League and its star players, this story is a reminder that there are clear limits to what can be tolerated in the stands.
Al-Taawoun punished as the league seeks to protect its image
By having Al-Taawoun punished in this way, the Saudi Football Federation is sending a strong message.
The body wants to reaffirm the standards of behaviour expected around league games.
The Saudi league, which is attracting more and more world-class players, is also keen to protect its international image.
For Moroccans who travel to the Gulf for work or tourism, or follow these matches from abroad, the case underlines the growing vigilance of football authorities toward crowd behaviour.
- Two home games behind closed doors for Al-Taawoun
- Fine of 100,000 riyals
- Chants targeting the memory of Diogo Jota
- Firm response from the Saudi federation
The decision could serve as a reference for other leagues seeking to better regulate fan behaviour and protect the memory of players who have passed away.
For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.
For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.
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