Rabat – Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) announced on Wednesday that Santos captain Neymar has received a two-match ban.
The disciplinary action stems from an incident during Saturday’s 1-1 Serie A draw against Bahia, where the forward covered his mouth while engaging in a heated exchange with an opposing player.
The 34-year-old was red-carded following a clash with Bahia midfielder Rodrigo Nestor.
The disciplinary panel found Neymar guilty of breaching the “Vinicius Jr. rule,” according to Reuters, citing an anti-confrontation measure that prohibits players from covering their mouths while arguing on the pitch.
According to the referee’s match report cited by the STJD, the incident extended beyond the pitch.
Following his red card, Neymar charged toward the visitors’ bench to confront the opponent, requiring his Santos teammates to step in and physically restrain him.
As a result of the ruling, Neymar will be absent for Santos’ next three fixtures.
The forward is already serving a one-match ban for Wednesday’s league clash with Palmeiras due to yellow card accumulation, with the tribunal’s two-game suspension extending his absence.
Both Neymar and Santos retain the right to challenge the decision, with an appeal process available to contest the protocol violation penalty.
This latest disciplinary action follows another recent milestone for the forward.
Just three months prior, Neymar became the first player in Brazil’s top division to be temporarily sent off under an experimental rule introduced to prevent time-wasting by goalkeepers.
Pending any successful appeal, the former Brazil captain will remain sidelined until late November before making his return to the pitch.
