Saudi Arabian Football Federation and Saudi Pro League condemn abuse during Al Taawoun v Al Hilal

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Saudi Pro League have condemned “unacceptable practices” by some supporters during Al Taawoun’s match against Al Hilal and said disciplinary action will be taken under the relevant regulations.

Al Hilal won the Roshn Saudi League match 6-0 away from home, but the game was overshadowed by offensive chanting from sections of the Al Taawoun support directed at Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves.

In a joint statement, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Saudi Pro League said the conduct was “inconsistent with the values of Saudi football and sportsmanship”.

They added that using personal tragedies to insult or provoke others was unacceptable and had no place in Saudi football.

“The competent committees have monitored these practices and have begun taking the necessary regulatory procedures in accordance with the approved rules and regulations,” the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said.

The federation added that details of any sanctions would be announced once the process had been completed.

During the match, some Al Taawoun supporters attempted to provoke Neves by chanting the name of his late friend, Diogo Jota.

Neves responded to the chants by raising his hand towards the sky.

After the final whistle, Neves addressed the Al Taawoun supporters in the media area, saying: “I just hope they don’t go to prayer later.”

Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo called for the supporters involved to be punished.

Al Hilal also issued a statement confirming that it had submitted a complaint to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation over the behaviour of the Al Taawoun fans.

Al Taawoun condemned the actions of a group of supporters in the stands.

Jota, a former Liverpool forward, died in a tragic accident during the previous year. He had been one of Neves’ closest friends in football, with the pair having played together at Wolverhampton and for the Portugal national team.

The authorities’ statement did not specify the nature of the measures being considered, but confirmed that the relevant committees had started dealing with the incident under the governing regulations.