Al Taawoun Faces Fine and Stadium Closure Over Chants Referencing Diogo Jota

Saudi Arabian club Al Taawoun is facing a potential fine and stadium closure after its supporters chanted the name of the late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota during a match against Al Hilal, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The chants were reportedly directed at Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, a compatriot and former teammate of Jota, who died earlier this year. Al Jazeera reported that fans invoked Jota's name in a manner that drew condemnation from figures in the football world.

Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo publicly called for a ban on those involved in the chanting, according to the report, though further details of his comments were not specified in the available reporting.

Saudi football authorities are said to be considering sanctions against Al Taawoun that could include a financial penalty and the closure of the club's stadium, Al Jazeera reported. It remains unclear from the available report whether a final decision on the sanctions has been reached.

Diogo Jota, who played for Liverpool and the Portugal national team, died earlier this year. His death was widely mourned across the football community, including by players and clubs in Saudi Arabia's top league, where several prominent European and South American footballers, including Ronaldo and Neves, now play.

Al Jazeera's report did not provide additional details on the exact wording of the chants or the precise disciplinary process underway. Further updates on the matter are expected as Saudi football authorities review the incident.