Neymar collected a yellow card and a subsequent one-game suspension during Santos’ 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Vasco da Gama on Sunday.
Neymar and Santos suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama on Sunday, heightening relegation fears among their fans. The Brazilian superstar was in tears at full time and had to be consoled by a member of staff.
Manager Cleber Xavier was given the sack shortly after the loss, but Santos now face being without Neymar for their next game after he picked up a yellow card and a subsequent one-match suspension.
Former Liverpool and Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho was among the goal-scorers during a bleak evening for Neymar and Santos.
The one-game ban means Neymar, who has scored three goals in 11 Brazilian Serie A fixtures this season, will miss their next fixture against Bahia on Sunday and the 33-year-old admitted after the defeat it was one of the worst results of his illustrious career.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Neymar said: “I’m completely disappointed with our game.
“The fans have the right to protest in all sorts of ways, obviously without physical violence.
“But cursing and insulting people today is perfectly acceptable.
“I feel incredibly ashamed; I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life.
“I’m crying out of anger, at everything.
“Unfortunately, I can’t help in every way. Today was terrible; that’s the reality.
“To sum it all up: it was sh*t.
“It’s a disgrace to play that kind of game wearing a Santos jersey.
“Everyone needs to put their head down, go home, and think about what they want to do.
“With today’s attitude, if we have to do what we did on the field, we won’t even need to show up again on Wednesday.”
Did You Know?
Santos are in a very real relegation scrap, sitting 15th with only 21 points.
Things don’t get much easier in the coming weeks either, with upcoming opponents Bahia and Fluminense both sitting ahead of the Vila Belmiro side in the league table.
Read more: Barcelona Offered New Defender After Martinez Exit
Neymar will have to sit out Santos’ next fixture before he’s back from suspension, but the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star will know his contributions will be vital if his side are to drag themselves away from danger.
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