Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime bans from football stadiums for supporters who appeared to direct chants referencing his former Portugal teammate Diogo Jota at Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match. Ronaldo condemned the behaviour as crossing the boundaries of acceptable conduct in football and said those responsible should not be allowed to attend matches again.

The incident occurred during the league fixture between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal in Buraidah, where Neves plays. Chants referring to Jota were reportedly heard from sections of the crowd, prompting a strong reaction from Ronaldo, who described the episode as deeply inappropriate given the circumstances surrounding the late footballer.

“This is no longer football, and there have to be limits,” Ronaldo said on Sunday. He added that people who behave in such a manner “should never be allowed to enter a stadium again”, making clear his belief that football authorities should take firm disciplinary action against supporters involved in offensive chanting.

Also Read: Ronaldo Kicks Off Possible Final Season With Landmark 977th Goal

Jota, who had been a teammate of Ronaldo at international level, was widely respected within Portuguese football. The apparent chants aimed at Neves were viewed as particularly insensitive because of Jota’s close relationship with members of Portugal’s national team and the emotional impact of his death on fellow players.

Ronaldo’s comments have renewed debate over the responsibility of supporters and football authorities in preventing abusive or provocative behaviour inside stadiums. While rivalry and strong emotions are common in football, the Portugal captain stressed that certain forms of conduct should be treated as unacceptable rather than being dismissed as part of the atmosphere surrounding a match.

The incident is likely to increase pressure on clubs, leagues and governing bodies to identify those involved and consider stronger sanctions. Ronaldo’s call for lifetime bans reflects growing concern that personal tragedies and sensitive issues are increasingly being used by some fans to provoke players, raising questions about stadium safety, sportsmanship and the limits of supporter behaviour.

Also Read: Ronaldo Kicks Off Possible Final Season With Landmark 977th Goal