Neymar was beside himself with rage, wildly waving a piece of paper with the requested substitution towards the TV camera – but to no avail.
The Brazilian superstar was involuntarily substituted during his club FC Santos’ match against Coritiba FC (0-3) on Sunday, an unfortunate misunderstanding that caused quite a stir.
What happened? In the 65th minute, Neymar received treatment on the sideline after being hit on his right calf. Santos coach Cuca intended to use this opportunity for a substitution. Robinho Júnior, whom Neymar had recently slapped in training, was ready to come on for player number 31, which is worn by Argentinian Gonzalo Escobar. However, the fourth official’s board displayed Neymar’s number, 10, instead.
Neymar, his teammates, and staff members protested vehemently. But since Robinho Júnior had already entered the field, the substitution could not be reversed. Neymar only received a yellow card for his forceful complaints. The match was long decided at this point, with Santos facing the threat of relegation.
Santos Cites ‘Unexplained Error’
‘The fourth official made a mistake during the substitution. This was confirmed by the television broadcast and by the note the referees used during the change. An unexplained error that was not corrected,’ FC Santos wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Neymar still hopes for a World Cup nomination. On Monday, Brazil’s national coach Carlo Ancelotti will announce his squad for the XXL tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada (June 11th to July 19th). Record goalscorer Neymar played his last match for the Selecao in October 2023.
English Translation & Paraphrasing
Neymar was furious, waving a substitution request note wildly at the TV camera, but it was useless.
The Brazilian star was inadvertently substituted during his team FC Santos’ 0-3 loss to Coritiba FC on Sunday. This mix-up caused significant commotion.
The incident unfolded when Neymar received treatment for a blow to his right calf in the 65th minute. Coach Cuca saw an opportunity to make a change, with Robinho Júnior – who had recently been slapped by Neymar in training – prepared to replace player number 31, Argentinian Gonzalo Escobar. Instead, the fourth official mistakenly indicated Neymar’s number, 10, for the substitution.
Neymar, his teammates, and staff strongly objected. However, with Robinho Júnior already on the field, the substitution could not be undone. Neymar was shown a yellow card for his intense protests. The game was already effectively over, and Santos is now at risk of relegation.
Santos Declares an ‘Unexplained Mistake’
FC Santos stated on X: ‘The fourth official committed an error during the substitution, as evidenced by the television coverage and the note used by the officials during the change. It was an inexplicable error that was not rectified.’
In other news, Neymar is still hoping for a call-up to the national team for the World Cup. Brazil’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is set to reveal his squad for the major tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, scheduled from June 11th to July 19th, on Monday. Neymar, the all-time leading scorer for Brazil, last played for the Selecao in October 2023.