Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football star, has requested the Saudi Professional League to consider lifetime bans for fans who exhibit inappropriate behavior. This request was made after a section of Al-Taawoun fans cheered the name of the late Portuguese player Diogo Jota during their recent match against Al-Hilal.
A Bitter Incident Amid Football Joys
In the match on Saturday, Al-Hilal defeated Al-Taawoun 6-0. In this game, Ruben Neves, the Portuguese star, played a key role, and Gabriel Martinelli also scored a hat-trick. After the match, a video was released showing Neves interacting with Al-Taawoun fans as they chanted “Jota, Jota.” This act was done in memory of the beloved Portuguese player who tragically lost his life in a car accident last year.
In response to this video on social media, Ronaldo wrote: “The league must take action and address such behaviors. This is no longer football, and there should be restrictions. Those who behave this way should never be allowed to enter the stadium.”
A Reminder of Friendship and Grief from Loss
Ruben Neves, one of Jota's closest friends, carried his coffin at his funeral. Neves and Ronaldo wore Jota's number 21 jersey in his memory during the World Cup. Last July, Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in a fatal accident in Spain. Neves expressed in response to this incident: “More than friends, we are family, and this bond will never be broken.”
Continuing his schedule, Ronaldo will face the Emirati team Al Ain in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.
