During Al Hilal's visit to Al Taawon's home ground in the Saudi Pro League, the home team's fans repeatedly chanted the name "Jota" to provoke Portuguese player Rúben Neves. The provocation came after the transfer of Jota, a former Al Hilal player, to Al Taawon, which reportedly angered the rival club's officials.
Rúben Neves reacted to the provocation with sarcasm, showing discomfort with the situation that continued throughout the match. The moment became one of the highlights of the game between the two Saudi clubs.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced it will open an investigation to determine responsibility for the provocative chants directed at the Portuguese player, in a gesture intended to demonstrate that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, also commented on the situation, asking that "limits" be set for this type of situation in Arab football, showing concern about the escalation of provocations between clubs and fans.
