Brazil: Neymar accuses Rodrigo Nestor of abusing the anti-racism rule

Neymar claims his opponent used the rule to settle a score

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Brazil: Neymar accuses Rodrigo Nestor of abusing the anti-racism rule

24.10.26 FT Serie A Brazil

Santos FC

Bahia

Neymar has challenged his opponent’s conduct after being sent off against Bahia for covering his mouth while speaking to Rodrigo Nestor. The Santos striker accuses him of exploiting a rule intended to combat racism to get him dismissed.

Neymar’s anger has not subsided. After receiving a straight red card during the match between Santos and Bahia on Saturday, October 24, the Brazil international strongly criticised Rodrigo Nestor, whose report led the referee to consult VAR.

Santos’ number 10 reproached the Bahia midfielder for using the rule to his advantage. Applied in the Brazilian championship, it is intended in particular to punish certain behaviour that could conceal racist remarks when players cover their mouths.

“What Nestor did to me today, I find that very serious,” Neymar said.

The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player acknowledges that the two men exchanged provocations on the pitch. However, he disputes the way his opponent reacted when he covered his mouth while speaking to him.

“Obviously, we were insulting each other and exchanging provocations. That’s football. But he used this situation to gain an advantage during the match. It’s very serious,” he continued.

Neymar denounces an abusive use of the rule

According to the Brazilian striker, Rodrigo Nestor deliberately exploited a measure designed to combat racism. Neymar believes that his opponent used the provision to provoke his dismissal, even though he insists he did not say anything to him at that specific moment.

“He was really dishonest,” he said before stressing the purpose of the rule: “This rule is there to fight racism, not for you to use it to your advantage.”

The incident took place against a backdrop of tension between the two players. At half-time, Nestor had already criticised Neymar’s behaviour during an earlier exchange. After the break, their latest altercation led the referee, alerted by VAR, to show the red card.

Despite being down to 10 men, Santos avoided defeat thanks to a goal from Luan Peres in the 93rd minute, salvaging a 1-1 draw after conceding the opening goal to Luciano Juba.

🗣️🇧🇷 Neymar: "We were joking and laughing in the middle of the pitch, then I went to talk to Nestor. I admit I was wrong to cover my mouth, but I didn’t say anything. He immediately raised his hand and said, ‘Send Neymar off.’" pic.twitter.com/zePgars6bm
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) October 25, 2026

The interpretation of the incident is now the subject of controversy. Did Neymar’s gesture justify his dismissal under the regulations applied in Brazil, or did Rodrigo Nestor exploit the situation as the Santos striker claims? The statements from both players shed light on their disagreement, but do not, by themselves, establish each player’s intentions.

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