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Neymar Calls Referee 'Arrogant,' Confronts Coach as Santos Lose 3-2 and Stay in Drop Zone

The outburst fuels questions over leadership, fitness, Brazil role.

Overview

  • Neymar was booked in the 36th minute and later accused referee Sávio Pereira Sampaio of arrogance and of threatening to caution him if he approached.
  • Santos lost 3-2 to Flamengo at the Maracanã and remain 17th with 33 points, keeping them inside the relegation places.
  • Substituted in the 85th minute, Neymar asked coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, "Are you going to take me off?" before heading straight to the dressing room.
  • Vojvoda downplayed the incident, calling the reaction normal for a player and emphasizing that he decides substitutions.
  • Brazilian media sharply criticized Neymar’s behavior and form, while ESPN Brazil reported via unnamed sources that he intends to leave if Santos are relegated.