BELÉM (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – Santos reached the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil after Rony scored the winning goal in the 74th minute—an effort set up by an assist from Neymar. Neymar played a central role both on and off the pitch during the match in Belém, played at Remo’s home ground, which Santos won 1–0. As the former Barcelona and PSG player headed back to the dressing room, he celebrated exuberantly; according to Uol Esporte, local fans interpreted his gestures as a provocation.
Tensions flared in the mixed zone of the Mangueirão Stadium, with Neymar shouting and celebrating while Remo officials responded with insults and shouting of their own. In a video recorded after the match, Remo president Antonio Carlos Teixeira called the Santos number 10 a “loafer,” explaining that he, the club, and the fans felt “offended” by his behavior. “Santos doesn’t need someone like him—an idol to kids who acted like a clown and came here to provoke us,” he said. Neymar’s behavior was likely a reaction to the atmosphere surrounding him from the start of the match; according to the Brazilian press, he was the target of insults before kickoff, while on the bench, and again when he entered the pitch in the second half.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
