Ruben Neves reacts to Diogo Jota chants in Saudi Pro League match
Al‑Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves was seen on social‑media footage reacting sharply to chants from Al‑Taawoun supporters during their Saudi Pro League clash on Saturday. The fans repeatedly shouted “Diogo Jota” at Neves, a player who has been linked with the Portuguese striker in transfer speculation. Neves’ visible frustration—raising his voice and gesturing—prompted a wave of comments on the platform, with many fans questioning the relevance of the chant.
The match, held at Al‑Hilal’s home stadium, ended in a 1‑0 victory for the hosts. Neves, who has been a key figure in Al‑Hilal’s midfield, was involved in several key passes but was also the target of the chant after a defensive error that allowed Al‑Taawoun to score an early goal. The incident drew attention from both clubs’ social‑media accounts, with Al‑Taawoun’s official channel posting a brief apology for the inappropriate chant, while Al‑Hilal’s account thanked supporters for their passion but urged respectful conduct.
The episode highlights the growing scrutiny of fan behaviour in Saudi Pro League matches, as the league continues to expand its international profile. While the chant did not affect the final score, it underscores the heightened emotions that can arise in high‑stakes fixtures and the importance of maintaining sportsmanship on and off the pitch.