Neymar delivered an influential performance but will miss Santos’ next match after picking up a costly yellow card.
The Brazilian forward did not get on the scoresheet but played a key role in Santos FC’s 2-0 win over Remo in the Brazilian Serie A. He set up the opening goal in the 40th minute with a superb lofted pass for Thaciano, and was also involved in the build-up to the second, created from his incisive pass that led to Moises’ finish.
Playing the full 90 minutes was a positive step in Neymar’s push to regain peak fitness ahead of the World Cup squad announcement by Carlo Ancelotti. However, his night ended on a sour note when he received a third yellow card in the 86th minute, triggering a suspension.
The booking followed a heavy challenge from Remo’s Diego Hernandez, which led to a heated exchange between players. Referee Savio Pereira Sampaio cautioned Neymar for his reaction.
After the match, Neymar criticised the decision, saying:
“It’s unfair. I was fouled from behind multiple times, and when I went to complain, I was the one booked.”
He added:
“The referee wants to be the star of the match. His behaviour towards players is not respectful, and he needs to manage situations better.”
The suspension rules Neymar out of Santos’ next match against Flamengo at the Maracanã on Sunday — a fixture that could have boosted his chances of returning to the national side.
Santos currently sit 13th in the table with 10 points from nine matches.
