Neymar was forced off the pitch in bizarre fashion during Santos’ 3-0 home loss to Coritiba on Sunday after a fourth official mistakenly substituted him instead of defender Gonzalo Escobar.
Following this, the Brazilian star expressed anger, which sparked a heated confrontation with officials in what was likely his final club appearance before Brazil’s World Cup squad announcement.
Watch: Neymar loses control; furiously protests wrongful substitution in Santos defeat
The incident occurred around the 65th minute at Neo Química Arena, with Santos already trailing 3-0. Neymar had stepped off temporarily for treatment on a right calf injury. Santos intended to replace Escobar with Robinho Jr., but the fourth official raised the board showing Neymar’s No. 10.
Once Robinho Jr. entered and play resumed, Neymar, who had returned from treatment, realized the error, grabbed the official substitution sheet, and displayed it toward broadcast cameras to prove it listed Escobar’s number. He argued animatedly with the referee and staff, earning a yellow card for attempting to re-enter the field without permission.
Neymar eventually left, handing the captain’s armband to Escobar. Santos confirmed the blunder in a statement, calling it a serious mistake by the officials. This comes as a sour note ahead of coach Carlo Ancelotti’s expected World Cup squad reveal on Monday, with Neymar hoping to secure his place despite limited impact in the heavy defeat.
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