Al Hilal fans honour Ruben Neves after controversial incident as midfielder scores against Al Gharafa

Al Hilal supporters paid tribute to Ruben Neves before Tuesday’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Gharafa, days after the Portuguese midfielder was targeted by opposing fans in the Roshn Saudi League.

A large banner bearing the number eight – Neves’ shirt number – was displayed by the home fans as the game began at Kingdom Arena. The supporters also posted the message “The Rolls” alongside the number and a blue heart.

The tribute referred to an incident during Al Hilal’s meeting with Al Taawoun, when the home side’s opponents chanted the name of Diogo Jota, Neves’ close friend who died recently, in what appeared to be an attempt to provoke and distract the player.

Neves reacted angrily and pointed towards the sky, appearing to say: “God sees you.”

The match, played on Saturday in the seventh round of the domestic competition, ended in a 6-0 victory for Al Hilal.

The incident prompted widespread reaction in Saudi Arabia. Former players were among those to apologise to Neves, while the Roshn Saudi League condemned what happened. Disciplinary action against Al Taawoun supporters is expected.

Neves responded to Al Hilal’s supporters by scoring the opening goal against Al Gharafa in the club’s first match of the continental campaign, before going over to acknowledge them in a special celebration.

He converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time, striking the ball powerfully into the far right corner of the Qatari side’s goal to put Al Hilal ahead.