Ronaldo demands lifetime bans over Jota chants

What the report says

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged football authorities to issue lifetime stadium bans to fans who chanted the name of Diogo Jota at Portugal international Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match, according to BBC Sport Football. The incident was reported after footage on social media appeared to show Neves reacting to chants from Al-Taawoun supporters while his Al-Hilal side were playing in their 6-0 win on Saturday.

BBC Sport said Jota, who died in a car crash last year at the age of 28, was a close friend of Neves and a former teammate at Wolves and with Portugal. Ronaldo, who also plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr and knew both players through the national team, said such behaviour should be punished and that those responsible should not be allowed back into stadiums.

The report added that Neves now wears Portugal’s number 21 in Jota’s memory and has a tattoo commemorating the pair. In the footage described by BBC Sport, Neves appeared to respond by clapping sarcastically before pointing to the sky. After the match, he was quoted saying he hoped the fans would reflect on what they had done.

The episode has drawn attention because it touches on grief, respect in football crowds and the treatment of players connected to a recent bereavement. BBC Sport said it had contacted both clubs for comment.