RIYADH: Star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime stadium bans for fans who directed offensive chants at Ruben Neves invoking the name of late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota during a Saudi Pro League match.
The incident occurred Saturday when Neves, playing against Al Hilal, was targeted by Al Taawoun supporters chanting “Jota! Jota! Jota!”
Neves, 29, was a close friend of Jota and was among those who carried his coffin at the former Liverpool and Portugal forward’s funeral. He reacted angrily to the chants, gesturing toward the fans and indicating that God was watching them before sarcastically applauding.
Neves later told reporters while walking through the mixed zone that he hoped those involved would not go to pray afterward.
The incident sparked widespread criticism on social media, with fans calling for action against those responsible.
Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, joined the calls for punishment by commenting on an Instagram post urging action against the supporters.
The Portugal captain said leagues should take action against fans who behave in such a manner and impose appropriate punishment.
“This is no longer football. There have to be limits,” Ronaldo said in his comment.
He added that people who behave in such a way should never be allowed to enter a stadium again.