Neymar’s return to the centre of Brazilian football’s attention took another difficult turn on Saturday, when the Santos forward was sent off in the first half against Bahia after an on-field dispute with Rodrigo Nestor. The 34-year-old reacted angrily when the referee, following a VAR check, ruled that his gesture of covering his mouth while speaking warranted a red card.
Bahia were already ahead through Luciano Juba’s 39th-minute goal when the incident unfolded shortly before half-time. Neymar’s dismissal in the 45th minute left Santos chasing the match with 10 men.
Quick facts
- Bahia led Santos 1-0 at the interval after Luciano Juba scored in the 39th minute.
- Neymar was dismissed in the 45th minute following a VAR review.
- The Santos attacker said he had not used racist language or insulted Rodrigo Nestor.
- Nestor said Neymar’s words had disrespected both him and Bahia’s shirt.
- Rodinei eventually led Neymar away after confrontations with opponents and teammates.
The flashpoint began near the centre circle, where Neymar approached Bahia players with what appeared to be mocking gestures. After Nestor addressed him, Neymar replied while shielding his mouth with his hand.
Nestor immediately alerted the referee, prompting players from both sides to gather around the official. The referee separated the group before going to the pitchside monitor to review the exchange.
After the review, Neymar was sent off under a regulation introduced as part of Brazilian football’s anti-racism measures, widely associated with Vinicius Junior’s name. The decision further inflamed the Santos player, who moved towards Nestor and had to be restrained.
Marcos Victor of Bahia intervened and was struck in the face amid the melee. Neymar also pushed and shouted at members of his own side before Rodinei managed to usher him from the field, though the forward remained visibly furious.
Neymar disputes the interpretation
Afterwards, Neymar argued that Nestor had exploited the rule by reporting his hand gesture. He said the regulation had been created to combat racism, but insisted he had merely covered his mouth and had said nothing to his opponent.
The former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Al Hilal player accepted that verbal exchanges are part of football, but denied any racist element. “I am sad about what happened,” he said, accusing Nestor of acting with bad intentions.
“He spoke about decency. I am decent too, but I am a man; what he did is simply not done,” Neymar added. He later said he had allowed “an idiot” an opportunity to gain attention, while maintaining that he could rest easily despite the episode.
Nestor did not retreat from his version. The Bahia player said Neymar knew what he had said and described it as disrespectful towards both himself and the club’s shirt.
He declined to repeat the alleged words, explaining that children could be watching and that the language used was inappropriate. The confrontation now leaves Santos without Neymar after a first half in which Bahia had established both a goal advantage and a numerical one.
