Neymar banned for covering his mouth during on-pitch confrontation

Neymar suspended for two matches for covering his mouth during a Santos game, violating the 'Vinicius Law' protocol against racial abuse gestures.

Brazil's sports tribunal has suspended Neymar for two matches for covering his mouth while arguing with an opponent during a Santos game against Bahia last weekend. The tribunal ruled his actions violated a protocol named after Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, known as the 'Vinicius Law', which was established after the winger accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse while covering his mouth during a Champions League match earlier this year.

Neymar will serve a total of three-match suspension: one for accumulated yellow cards and two for covering his mouth. He will miss Santos' match against Palmeiras in Brazil's Serie A on Wednesday and is not expected to return to action until late November. Neymar and Santos can appeal the suspension for covering his mouth.

The 32-year-old has scored eight goals in 15 Serie A appearances this year but has battled multiple injury setbacks. He recently announced his retirement from international football after the World Cup, where Brazil exited in the Round of 16.