Cristiano Ronaldo has condemned the supporters for their “banana” chants after the Brazilian star was named at a Saudi Pro League match ahead of Liverpool’s late forward Diogo Jota, who is a close friend of Jota’s manager, Ruben Neves.
The incident reportedly took place on Saturday during Al-Taawoun’s clash with Al-Hilal in Buraidah. Videos posted on social media seemed to reveal some of those who were yelling “Jota” while he was on the field.
Neves responded by gesturing toward his eye and then upward at the chanting, as if it was an emotional reaction to the chants around his former Portugal teammate and close friend. Jota was killed in the accident, along with his brother Andre Silva, while driving in Zamora, Spain on July 3, 2025. Jota’s funeral was held and was attended by Neves, one of the pallbearers.
Ronaldo, who also played with Neves and Jota at the international level, strongly condemned the move in an Instagram post that included the video. They deserve the Saudi Pro League to take action against supporters responsible, the Portugal captain said.
The league needs to take steps and reprimand such behavior by football fans,” Ronaldo added. Such behavior has gone too far, he added, and he said he was against anyone who was involved being allowed to return to a stadium.
An emphatic Al-Hilal win over Al-Taawoun was overshadowed by the controversy. Neves came on and was on for 75 minutes before being replaced. Supporters’ behaviour is now open to questions, and it is hoped that the appropriate sanctions will be meted out. Reuters reported that it had reached out to Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal for comment.
