Neymar was left furious after a bizarre administrative error forced him off the pitch prematurely during Santos' 3-0 home defeat to Coritiba on Sunday. The incident occurred in his final match before Brazil's World Cup squad announcement, adding to the frustration for the 34-year-old forward.
Substitution Blunder
The unusual incident unfolded in the 65th minute of the Brazilian league match. With Coritiba already leading 3-0, Neymar, whose form has improved recently, was having a quiet game for the relegation-threatened Santos side. While receiving treatment for his right calf from a doctor on the pitch, the referee instructed him to move to the sidelines. Moments later, the fourth official raised the substitution board, indicating that No 10 – Neymar – was to be replaced by Robinho Jr, who promptly entered the game.
"I knew Robinho was coming in, but I wasn't even watching it," Neymar said. "I didn't know I had been substituted, I had not seen the board. It was a very serious mistake by the officials, by the fellow who puts the numbers on the board."
Reaction and Aftermath
Both Santos coach Cuca and Neymar immediately informed the fourth official and referee Paulo Cesar Zanovelli that an error had occurred, with defender Gonzalo Escobar, wearing jersey No 31, being the intended player to be substituted. Zanovelli subsequently issued Neymar a yellow card for refusing to accept the substitution. The striker then displayed the official substitution request sheet to broadcasters at the Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo, clearly showing Escobar's number.
"It is a mistake (of the fourth official) indeed. But it wasn't the reason why we lost, it would be unfair to place blame on this," Santos coach Cuca stated in a press conference. Brazil's football confederation, which organises the league, has yet to comment publicly on the matter.
World Cup Squad Implications
Neymar has been battling to regain full fitness since tearing his ACL in October 2023, spending over a year attempting to convince Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti of his place in the national squad. Ancelotti is scheduled to announce Brazil's World Cup squad on Monday in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian media reports suggest Neymar's chances of securing a spot in the 26-player squad have recently increased due to other key players already guaranteed a place supporting his inclusion.
