Neymar was angry after an unusual episode in Santos’ defeat against Coritiba (0-3), after being mistakenly substituted due to an alleged error by the refereeing team.
The Brazilian international explained that he was receiving medical assistance outside the field after feeling pain following a blow suffered in the first half. According to Neymar, he had agreed with coach Cuca to abandon the match, but ended up changing his mind when he realized that Gonzalo Escobar was also injured.
“He said he could continue on the field”, revealed the player, explaining that, in the meantime, the fourth referee forced him to leave temporarily to receive treatment off the field. Neymar guarantees that he didn’t notice the substitution sign and only understood what had happened when he tried to return to the game.
The Brazilian also said that the fourth referee confirmed to him that he had been substituted, a situation that he classified as “a very serious error”. Neymar then tried to enter the field to speak to the main referee, but ended up being warned with a yellow card.
“They told me that what counts is what’s on paper. The referee replied: ‘I’m the one in charge here. You’re already out, go out'”, reported the player, visibly irritated.
The whole mess happened in the 66th minute, at a time when Santos were already losing 3-0. Shortly afterwards, Álvaro Barreal was sent off, worsening a night to forget for the Brazilian team.
SURREAL! Neymar was substituted because the fourth referee made a mistake with the number on the board, ’10’ instead of ’31’
Only in Brazilian football…
— B24 (@B24PT)
