Sport · Malaysia Bureau
Saudi FA pledges action after offensive chants at Al-Hilal match
Saudi Arabia's football authority has vowed to take measures against supporters who directed taunts at Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves regarding the death of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota. The incident has drawn calls for strict disciplinary action from prominent figures in the sport.
LSN Malaysia ·
The Saudi Football Federation announced its commitment to addressing the incident during a recent match, following outcry over offensive chanting directed at the Portuguese midfielder. The taunts referenced the passing of Jota, who was a close friend and international teammate of Neves.
The incident has sparked significant debate about supporter conduct and disciplinary measures within the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota's former club and international colleague, publicly called for severe penalties, including lifetime bans for those responsible for the offensive behaviour.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have indicated they are reviewing footage and witness accounts from the match to identify those involved. The federation's response reflects growing concerns about ensuring respectful conduct at sporting events and protecting players from targeted harassment.
This development comes as the Saudi Pro League continues to attract international attention and high-profile players. The incident underscores ongoing challenges faced by football authorities in maintaining standards of sportsmanship and preventing abusive conduct in stadiums across the region.