A bizarre and unprecedented error by match officials led to Brazil star Neymar being accidentally substituted during Santos’ 3-0 home defeat to Cortiba on Sunday, according to SPORTbible, sparking a furious reaction from the team captain.
The incident unfolded in the second half after Neymar, 34, had received treatment for an issue with his right calf. As he prepared to re-enter the field, the electronic substitutes board displayed his No.10, indicating he was to be replaced by teammate Robinho Jr. Neymar, a former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward, immediately lost his composure, vehemently remonstrating with the fourth official as it became clear his number had been listed by mistake.
The chaotic scene escalated as Neymar, already incensed, received a yellow card for re-entering the field of play without official approval after being “substituted.” He then approached nearby television cameras, holding up a substitution sheet that appeared to show Santos’ No.31, Gonzalo Escobar, was the player intended to make way. The entire messy situation occurred with Santos already trailing 3-0 at home, and the team of officials ultimately required police protection at the end of the game.
Ancelotti’s looming decision
The dramatic scenes come at a critical juncture for Neymar, who is hopeful of being included in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup. The Selecao’s record goalscorer has been absent from the national team since 2023 due to a string of injury issues, adding extra weight to his recent performances.
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Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is managing a nation at a World Cup for the first time, is due to make his squad announcement on Monday. He addressed the speculation surrounding Neymar’s potential call-up, acknowledging the player’s popularity while asserting his own authority in the final decision.
“I know full well that Neymar is much loved, not only by the public but also by the players,” Ancelotti told Reuters. “This is also a factor, because we have to consider the atmosphere that will surround Neymar’s call-up. It’s not as if I’m going to drop a bombshell in the dressing room. He’s very well-liked, he’s very much loved. I think it’s normal for the players to express their opinion. I’m grateful to everyone who has given me advice; I thank you all. But ultimately, the right person to make this decision, the one best placed to do so, is me.”
As Ancelotti prepares to reveal his squad, the focus remains on whether Neymar’s recent form and fitness, despite the bizarre substitution incident, will be enough to secure his return to the national stage.
Sources: www.sportbible.com
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