The Saudi Football Federation and Saudi League issued a joint statement condemning the provocations directed at Rúben Neves, Al-Hilal player, related to Diogo Jota. The two entities expressed total repudiation against any type of provocation or insult directed at players.
The federation promised to take necessary measures against those responsible for the provocations. The position of Saudi football authorities comes at a time of tension between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad clubs, the latter being Diogo Jota's team.
Rúben Neves and Diogo Jota are both Portuguese players playing in the Saudi league. The rivalry between the two clubs, which recently faced each other, is said to have been the origin of the incidents that triggered the reaction of Saudi sports authorities.
The measures to be taken by the competent bodies were not specified in the statement, but the condemnation of the provocations demonstrates the intention to protect the integrity of players and maintain fair-play in the championship.
