The Saudi Pro League and federation have released a statement on the disgusting scenes before Al Taawoun’s match against Al-Hilal.
Hilal’s Ruben Neves was faced with chants of Diogo Jota’s name, his late best friend who tragically died in a car accident last year.
The horrendous moment went viral, and league and federation have now spoken out.
They wrote: “The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Saudi League condemn the unacceptable conduct of some fans during the match between Al Taawoun and Al Hilal, which is inconsistent with the values of Saudi football and the principles of fair play.
“Exploiting personal tragedies to abuse or provoke is unacceptable and has no place in Saudi football.
“The SAFF confirms that the committees have identified the conduct and will take the necessary actions in accordance with the required procedures.”
What action will take place is yet to be decided, but the scenes have given the league plenty of bad publicity.
Furthermore, their most famous player, Cristiano Ronaldo, piled the pressure on the authorities to act.
Ronaldo and Neves comment on Jota chants
The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour,” the Al Nassr striker wrote.
“This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again.”
Neves, meanwhile, said in the mixed zone: “I hope they don’t go to pray afterwards.”
Hilal won 6-0, with Neves playing 75 minutes.
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