RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian ‌Football Federation’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee on Tuesday ordered Al-Taawoun to play their next two home Saudi Pro League matches behind closed doors.

They were also fined 100,000 riyals ($26,660) after supporters chanted the name of the late Portugal forward Diogo Jota during Saturday’s match against Al-‌Hilal.

The ‌sanctions stem from an ‌incident ⁠involving Al-Hilal ⁠midfielder Ruben Neves, a close friend and former teammate of Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain last year alongside his brother Andre Silva.

Neves was among ⁠the pallbearers at Jota’s funeral.

‌Videos circulated on ‌social media appeared to show sections of ‌the crowd chanting “Jota” during Al-Hilal’s 6-0 win over Al-Taawoun.

Neves reacted by pointing to his eye and then toward the sky before saying ‌after the match: “I hope they don’t go to pray afterwards.”

⁠The ⁠chants sparked widespread criticism, including from Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who urged authorities to take strong action.

Al-Hilal said they had filed a complaint with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, describing the chants as offensive and unacceptable, while Al-Taawoun condemned the behavior and said it did not represent the club or their supporters.