Overview
- Neymar called referee Sávio Pereira Sampaio “arrogant” and alleged the official threatened to book him, comments reported by Globo.
- He was cautioned in the 36th minute moments before Flamengo’s opener from a corner, which he argued should not have been awarded due to a foul on goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão.
- Santos substituted Neymar in the 85th minute for Benjamin Rollheiser, prompting the forward to question the decision before heading straight to the dressing room instead of the bench.
- Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda said Neymar’s reaction was a normal response from a player and emphasized that substitution decisions are his.
- The defeat leaves Santos 17th with 33 points in the relegation zone, and ESPN Brazil reported via unnamed sources that Neymar intends to depart if the club go down.