Categorical punishment for Neymar under the 'Vinicius Law'

Neymar banned for three matches after red card for covering his mouth during argument with Bahia's Rodrigo Nestor; also fined €20,000.

Neymar has been suspended for three matches following his dismissal in Santos' game against Bahia on matchday 32 of the Brasileirão. The Brazilian was sent off after covering his mouth with his hand during a heated exchange with Bahia defender Rodrigo Nestor, an incident reviewed by VAR that resulted in a direct red card.

The disciplinary tribunal found Neymar guilty of violating the "Vini Jr Protocol", a conduct rule introduced following similar incidents. Beyond the automatic one-match ban for the red card, the tribunal added two further suspensions for his conduct, bringing the total to three games. He was also fined approximately €20,000 for unsporting behaviour. Neymar faced a potential six-match ban depending on the severity of the incident.

After the match, Neymar posted on social media claiming he and Nestor were joking and that he had said nothing disrespectful. He is expected to miss crucial fixtures against Palmeiras, Red Bull Bragantino and Coritiba. Santos, fighting for Copa Libertadores qualification, plan to appeal the suspension in the coming days.