Neymar found himself at the centre of controversy after receiving a straight red card during Santos’ clash with Bahia, following a heated exchange with midfielder Rodrigo Nestor.
The incident happened before the second half resumed, when Neymar covered his mouth while speaking to Nestor. The Bahia midfielder alerted the referee, who consulted VAR before sending off the Brazilian star under the so-called “Vini Jr. Law”, a measure used in Brazilian football to tackle discriminatory or abusive conduct.
Neymar admitted he was wrong to cover his mouth but insisted he had not said anything offensive, describing the decision as deeply unfair. The pair had already clashed in the first half, when Neymar received a yellow card after throwing the ball at Nestor.
The dismissal means Neymar faces an additional suspension and is set to miss Santos’ upcoming matches against Palmeiras and Red Bull Bragantino. Despite playing with 10 men, Santos fought back to secure a 1-1 draw, with Luan Peres scoring a late equaliser after Bahia had taken the lead through Luciano Juba.
