**Title: Al Taawoun Faces Stadium Closure and Fine Over 'Jota' Chants by Fans**
**Date: September 16, 2026**
Saudi Pro League club Al Taawoun has been sanctioned by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) following inappropriate chants made by fans during a recent match. The club has been ordered to play their next two home games behind closed doors and has been fined 100,000 riyals (approximately $26,640).
The disciplinary action comes after Al Taawoun supporters chanted the name of the late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota during a match against Al Hilal. Jota, who played for Liverpool, tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain last year, alongside his brother, Andre Silva. The incident occurred during a match where Al Hilal secured a decisive 6-0 victory over Al Taawoun.
The SAFF's Discipline and Ethics Committee announced the penalties on Tuesday, just three days after the match. The chants reportedly referenced Jota in relation to Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, who was a close friend and former teammate of Jota. Neves was notably one of the pallbearers at Jota's funeral, which adds a layer of sensitivity to the situation.
In the aftermath of the incident, videos surfaced on social media showing sections of the crowd chanting "Jota." Neves, visibly affected by the chants, responded during the match by pointing to his eye and then looking upward, a gesture interpreted as a tribute to his late friend. Following the game, Neves expressed his hope that fans would reconsider their actions, stating, “I hope they don’t go to pray afterwards,” reflecting his disapproval of the chants.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, including from prominent figures in the football community. Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Al-Nassr, publicly criticized the behavior of the fans. He called for the league to take decisive action against such conduct, suggesting that individuals who engage in such behavior should face lifetime bans from football stadiums. Ronaldo emphasized the need for limits in football, stating, “This is no longer football, and there have to be limits.”
In response to the situation, Al Hilal lodged a formal complaint with SAFF, labeling the chants as offensive and unacceptable. Al Taawoun also condemned the behavior of the fans, asserting that it does not reflect the values of the club or its supporters.
The sanctions against Al Taawoun highlight the ongoing challenges that football authorities face in addressing fan behavior and maintaining respect within the sport. The decision to impose a closed-door policy for upcoming matches aims to send a strong message regarding the importance of sportsmanship and respect for players, particularly those who have passed away.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Al Taawoun will respond in their upcoming matches and what further actions may be taken by SAFF to prevent similar incidents in the future. The club's management is likely to engage with fans to promote a culture of respect and remembrance, especially concerning the legacy of players like Diogo Jota.