Neymar in controversy again; threatens opponent after receiving a red card via VAR

Brazilian footballer Neymar is once again at the center of controversy. From heated exchanges with opponents on the pitch and a red card issued with the help of VAR, to allegations of making threats while leaving the field—the Santos star has become a major topic of discussion.

On Saturday night, in a Brazilian Championship match, Santos drew 1–1 against Bahia. However, it was Neymar’s behavior and his red card that took center stage, overshadowing the match result itself.

Tensions began with a yellow card

During the first half, Neymar got into a clash with Bahia midfielder Rodrigo Nestor while contesting for the ball. The Santos number 10 was shown a yellow card after throwing the ball toward his opponent.

Even after receiving the card, he did not calm down. Beyond his argument with Nestor, he engaged in heated exchanges with other Bahia players. At one point, he even got into a verbal altercation with Bahia coach Rogério Ceni.

After the first half, Nestor publicly expressed his frustration regarding Neymar’s conduct, alleging that the player had shown disrespect not only toward him but also toward the Bahia club itself.

Nestor chose not to disclose exactly what Neymar had said, stating that such language was inappropriate to use in front of children. The intensity of the conflict became even more apparent when tensions flared up again between the two players after the break.

What did Neymar say while covering his mouth?

Upon returning to the pitch for the second half, Neymar once again clashed with Nestor. When Nestor asked him to move aside so play could resume, Neymar responded by covering his mouth with his hand and saying something. Nestor immediately reported the incident to referee Sávio Sampaio.

The head referee consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to review the situation. Following the review, Neymar was shown a red card.

Even after being sent off, the Brazilian star could not contain his anger and attempted to lunge toward Nestor. The situation was brought under control through the intervention of other players. According to accounts of the match, at one point, Neymar was even seen grabbing Marcos Victor by the throat.

He subsequently left the pitch; however, reports indicate that the tension did not subside even as he was departing.

"I didn't say anything," claims Neymar.

While leaving the field, Neymar spoke with Brazilian influencer Pedro Lopes. Explaining his side of the story, he claimed that he had merely been joking around with Nestor. The Santos star also acknowledged that covering his mouth while speaking was a mistake.

According to Neymar, Nestor complained to the referee before he had even said anything. He maintained that they were just joking and laughing together, and admitted that covering his mouth while talking to Nestor was an error on his part.

Nevertheless, Neymar views Nestor’s decision to report the matter to the referee as unfair. Reports also suggest that he threatened to "settle the score" with Nestor.

According to a report by the Brazilian media outlet SporTV, Neymar even called Nestor a "scoundrel" as he was leaving the pitch.

Neymar could face a two-match ban.

Before receiving the red card, Neymar had already been shown a yellow card in the first half. He was already set to miss the upcoming match against Palmeiras due to that earlier caution; reports indicate that the red card has extended his suspension by an additional match.

Consequently, Neymar’s absence from Santos’ next two matches could prove to be a significant blow to the team. Whether any further disciplinary action will be taken against him following these events remains at the discretion of the relevant authorities.

Although the match ended in a draw, Neymar’s red card, his altercation with an opponent, and his behavior while leaving the pitch have once again raised questions regarding his discipline.