Photo via BBC Sport

Saudi club given stadium ban over Jota chants towards Neves

Al-Taawoun have received a two-match home stadium closure along with a 100,000 Saudi Riyals (£20,000) fine after their fans directed offensive chants at Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves. Prior to a 6-0 defeat on Saturday, home spectators repeatedly invoked the name of Neves's late friend Diogo Jota, the former Liverpool forward who passed away in a car collision at age 28 in July of last year.

Neves, who partnered with Jota for both Portugal and Wolverhampton Wanderers, serves as a bearer at his burial, sports his number 21 jersey on the national team, and carries a calf tattoo showing the pair in an embrace.

Following the rout, Neves expressed disgust, remarking that he hoped those involved would refrain from prayer after engaging in such conduct. Portugal colleague and Al-Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo demanded permanent venue exclusions for the culprits.

Al-Taawoun condemned the incident, affirming that demeaning behavior cannot be excused by athletic rivalry and contradicts the club's principles.