Saudi Pro League: Al-Taawoun sanctioned over Diogo Jota chants

In recent hours, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has heavily sanctioned Al-Taawoun following chants by some of its supporters targeting former Portuguese player Diogo Jota, who died recently.

On Tuesday, the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee ordered the club to play its next two home matches behind closed doors, along with a fine of 100,000 riyals, equivalent to around €23,000. During the heavy defeat to Al-Hilal (0-6), supporters had chanted the name of the former Portuguese striker, who died with his brother in a car accident in July 2025. This was intended to unsettle Ruben Neves, who was one of his closest friends.

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The Al-Hilal midfielder reacted during the match by pointing to his eye and then toward the sky, before saying after the game: “I hope they don't go and pray afterward.” In the aftermath, the matter went beyond the match itself. Al-Hilal had filed a complaint with the federation, describing the chants as offensive and unacceptable, while Al-Taawoun had condemned the behavior of those involved, insisting that it represented neither the club nor all of its supporters.

Cristiano Ronaldo had also reacted publicly and called for strong measures.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

Related teams and leagues

Al-Taawoun

Pro League Saudi Arabia