Neymar hit with suspension under 'Vinicius Law'

Santos forward Neymar suspended for two matches after covering his mouth while arguing with an opponent, violating Brazil's 'Vinicius Law'.

Brazil's Sports Justice disciplinary commission suspended Neymar for two matches on Wednesday after he covered his mouth while disputing with Bahia midfielder Rodrigo Nestor during a Campeonato Brasileiro match on Saturday at Vila Belmiro (1-1).

Neymar was sent off with a direct red card before the second half after the incident. Nestor immediately reported the mouth-covering gesture to the referee, who initially saw nothing but was alerted by VAR. The case officer, Delmiro Campos, described Neymar's behaviour as an "act of concealing what is being said, which violates the transparency of the competition and sporting ethics."

The suspension stems from Brazil's 'Ley Vinicius' (Vinicius Law), which penalises players who cover their mouths while speaking on the pitch. Neymar's defence argued there was no animosity and the gesture was instinctive, but some disciplinary members had proposed a four-match ban. The decision can still be appealed to the full tribunal.