Shock in Saudi Arabia: Crude Chants Over Diogo Jota’s Death; Cristiano Ronaldo Speaks Out

A shameful incident occurred during the Saudi league match between Al-Taawon and Al-Hilal: some home fans in the stands began taunting Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, bringing up Diogo Jota, the Portuguese national team player and Liverpool forward who died just over a year ago in a car accident along with his brother.

“Jota, Jota, Jota” was the crude chant the fans used to taunt Ruben Neves, a friend and former teammate of Jota’s during his time at Wolverhampton: the shaken player responded with sarcastic applause and pointed to the sky. “Diogo is watching you from up there.”

He then vented his frustration after the match, which Al-Hilal won 6-0: “I hope they don’t go to pray after what they did today…,” he said bitterly. The incident caused a stir, and Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo also weighed in, posting on social media after the match.

“The league must step in and punish this kind of fan behavior. This is no longer soccer, and there must be limits. People who behave this way should never be allowed into a stadium again.”