Neymar apologizes after red card and lashes out at referee

Neymar took to Instagram on Sunday night to publicly apologize to his Santos teammates and supporters following his dramatic sending-off in the 0–1 defeat to Botafogo.

In a tense and emotionally charged match, the 33-year-old Brazilian forward allowed his frustration and urgency to get the better of him. With Santos struggling near the bottom of the table and desperately needing a win, Neymar attempted to take matters into his own hands quite literally. In a controversial moment during the second half, he deliberately used his hand to direct the ball into the net, a clear violation of the rules that left both fans and officials stunned. The referee, having already shown Neymar a yellow card earlier in the match for a reckless tackle, had no choice but to issue a second yellow followed by a red card, sending him off the field and leaving his team with ten men.

The immediate consequences of his actions were evident. Reduced to ten players and already trailing by a goal, Santos failed to mount a comeback and ultimately fell to a 0–1 home defeat at the hands of Botafogo. The loss not only deepened the club’s on-field crisis but also placed them firmly in the relegation zone after eleven rounds of the 2025 Brazilian Série A season. For a club of Santos’ historic stature, this is a deeply concerning position, and the pressure on both players and management is mounting.

In his Instagram post following the game, Neymar was visibly remorseful. He admitted that his decision was driven by desperation and took full responsibility for the team’s defeat. “In the desperation to score, sometimes you make a mistake,” he wrote. “I made an error, and I hope my teammates and the fans can forgive me. I take full responsibility for the loss.” His words struck a chord with many supporters, some of whom expressed disappointment, while others responded with empathy, acknowledging the pressure the team is under and the emotional burden Neymar has carried since his highly anticipated return to Santos.

The incident has sparked broader conversations in Brazilian football circles about Neymar’s discipline and leadership. As the most experienced and internationally renowned player in the squad, he is expected to set an example particularly during moments of adversity. His red card, however, has reignited criticism that has followed him throughout his career: brilliant but often impulsive, passionate but sometimes erratic.

Neymar also used his post to criticize the officiating during the match, pointing specifically to the circumstances surrounding his first yellow card. “The second yellow was fair, but the first one was given far too easily,” he argued. “It was my first foul, and I was immediately shown a yellow. Some referees are just terrible.” His comments reflect a common sentiment among Brazilian players and fans who feel that inconsistency and overzealous decisions from match officials are influencing too many games.

His suspension means he will miss Santos’ next league match, scheduled for June 13 against Fortaleza a crucial fixture in the fight for survival. With the league then entering a brief pause due to the upcoming Club World Cup, this incident could have lasting implications for both Neymar and the club.

What complicates matters further is the uncertainty surrounding Neymar’s contract. His current deal with Santos runs until June 30, and as of now, there has been no official communication from either party regarding a renewal. There has been speculation in the Brazilian press that Neymar’s short-term return to Santos was intended as a symbolic homecoming, a chance for him to give back to the club where his professional journey began before he moves on to a new challenge abroad. Interest from Major League Soccer clubs and teams in Saudi Arabia has been widely reported, and this latest controversy could accelerate his departure if both player and club feel a clean break is best.

Still, there are many within the Santos fanbase who hope Neymar will stay, believing that his presence can help lead the club out of this difficult period. His talent is unquestionable, and despite the red card, he has shown flashes of the brilliance that made him one of the world’s most electrifying players. Whether Santos chooses to invest in a longer-term project with Neymar at its heart or opts for a reset remains to be seen.

As the dust settles from a difficult night, one thing is clear: Neymar’s future at Santos and perhaps in Brazilian football more broadly is at a crossroads. What was meant to be a triumphant return home has instead become a tense and uncertain final chapter. The next few weeks could determine not only his fate but also that of a proud club now fighting to avoid relegation.