SAO PAULO (AP) – Neymar expressed his anger after a substitution error forced him off the field during Santos’ 3-0 defeat to Coritiba in a Brazilian league match on Sunday.
This match marked his final opportunity to impress Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, before the announcement of the World Cup squad.
The 34-year-old forward has been working to regain fitness following an ACL injury sustained in October 2023, as he aims to secure a place on the national team. The incident occurred in the 65th minute when Neymar was receiving treatment on the field while his team was trailing.
Substitution Incident
The substitution mistake took place while Neymar was being treated for a right calf issue. As he stood on the sidelines, the fourth official mistakenly indicated that Neymar, wearing the No. 10 jersey, was to be replaced by Robinho Jr., who promptly entered the field.
Neymar later remarked, “I knew Robinho was coming in, but I wasn’t even watching it. 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.”
Clarification and Consequences
Both Neymar and Santos coach Cuca alerted the officials, including referee Paulo Cesar Zanovelli, that the intended substitution involved defender Gonzalo Escobar, who wears the No. 31 jersey. In response to Neymar’s refusal to leave the pitch, Zanovelli issued him a yellow card.
Neymar then displayed the official substitution request sheet to broadcasters, clearly showing Escobar’s number instead of his own. Cuca later commented, “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.”
Implications for World Cup Selection
The Brazilian soccer confederation has yet to release a statement regarding the substitution incident. Meanwhile, Ancelotti is set to announce Brazil’s World Cup squad on Monday in Rio de Janeiro.
Recent reports indicate that Neymar’s chances of being included in the 26-player squad have improved, as other key players reportedly support his inclusion based on recent performances.