An emotional Neymar admitted he felt ashamed after Santos suffered a crushing 6-0 home defeat to Vasco da Gama, the heaviest loss of his career.
Philippe Coutinho struck twice as Vasco netted five goals in a brutal 16-minute spell, leaving Santos just two points clear of the relegation zone. Furious home supporters turned their backs to the pitch at full time in protest.
In tears, Neymar said: “I’m ashamed. I’ve never experienced this in my life. The tears were from anger. To play like that wearing the Santos jersey is a disgrace.”
The defeat proved the final straw for head coach Cléber Xavier, who was sacked after just 19 games in charge.
Santos, once synonymous with Pelé and footballing greatness, are now battling for survival in Brazil’s Serie A despite Neymar’s return earlier this year.
