Footage circulating on social media captured the moment fans chanted the name of Jota, who tragically passed away in July 2025 at the age of 28 following a car accident in Zamora, Spain, which also claimed the life of his 25-year-old brother, Andre Silva. In the video, Neves is seen acknowledging the crowd by applauding, pointing toward the sky, and gesturing toward his eyes while looking toward the section of the stadium from which the chants originated.
Ronaldo Demands Accountability for Fan Conduct
Following the match, Neves expressed his frustration with the supporters, stating, “I just hope they don’t go to pray later after what they did.” The incident has prompted a strong response from Ronaldo, who played alongside both Neves and the late Jota for the Portuguese national team. Ronaldo, currently playing for Al Nassr, took to social media to voice his disapproval, insisting that such behaviour has no place in the sport.
“The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour. This is no longer football and there have to be limits,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. He further advocated for the harshest possible penalty for the individuals involved, asserting that they “should never be allowed to enter a stadium again.”
A Deep Personal Connection
The incident carries significant emotional weight given the long-standing relationship between Neves and Jota. The two players shared a close bond that spanned several years, having been born only four months apart. Their professional paths frequently crossed, starting with their time as teammates for Portugal at the youth level before they played together at Porto.
Their connection deepened in July 2017 when both players joined Wolverhampton Wanderers at the age of 20, marking a significant period in their respective careers. The use of Jota’s name in the chants has been widely perceived as a targeted provocation, leading to the current calls for the Saudi Pro League to address the conduct of the fans at the Al Taawoun Club Stadium.
