The injured Neymar is now seen playing in Kalebhadra. In the few minutes he plays, he is more in the news for his controversial style of football than his style of football.

Neymar, who recently recovered from his injury, returned to Santos’ starting XI after almost two months in a match against Flamengo in the Brazilian league last night. But he could not keep himself free from controversy.

Santos lost to Flamengo 3-2 at the Maracana Stadium. Neymar did not score a goal or provide an assist. This loss has further increased the fear of relegation for his team. On the other hand, Filipe Luis’ Flamengo is dreaming of winning the league title with 68 points, equal with Palmeiras.

Despite not playing very well, Neymar has given rise to several controversies. Flamengo players were repeatedly fouling him on the field, and Flamengo fans from the gallery were chanting, “Neymar, you go to the goal!”

He tried to complain to referee Savio Sampaio about this, but he did not get any redress. Instead, Sampaio showed him a yellow card and threatened him.

Due to his unpromising performance, Santos coach Juan Pablo Voivoda took Neymar off in the 85th minute of the match and replaced him with Benjamin Rolheiser. Neymar got angry and kicked a water bottle placed next to the bench. The water fell on some of his teammates.

Neymar then went straight to the dressing room at the Maracana, upset. After taking him off, Santos were able to score two goals but could not avoid defeat.

After the match, Neymar complained to referee Savio Sampaio, saying, “With all due respect, he (the referee) is very bad and arrogant. Referees always say that only the team captain can talk to them. When someone else tries to talk, they turn their backs and threaten.’

Neymar claimed that he saw the yellow card when he went to the referee, ‘Today (yesterday) I was given a yellow card because I went to him. He said, “If you come to me, I will show you a yellow card.” I wanted to know why? Because I thought Brajo (Santos goalkeeper) was fouled when Flamengo scored. Such mistakes are seen repeatedly in Brazilian refereeing. Again, the referee’s behavior in this match was really terrible.’

Santos, who are 17th in the points table in the Brazilian league, next match is next Sunday morning Bangladesh time, against Palmeiras, who are at the top.
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