Santos suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Botafogo on Sunday, with Neymar Jr. at the center of controversy after being sent off in the second half of the Brazilian Serie A clash.
The forward, who was already on a yellow card, received his marching orders in the 76th minute for deliberately handling the ball.
Attempting to punch the ball into the net from close range, Neymar saw the goal immediately ruled out, and the referee brandished a second yellow, followed by a red, amid loud disapproval from the home fans.
The referee sent the Brazilian off after he punched the ball into the net from close range.
The goal was immediately disallowed and Neymar was shown a second yellow card, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
Botafogo capitalized on the numerical advantage late in the game, with Artur Guimaras finding the net to seal all three points for the visitors.
The loss leaves Santos languishing in 18th position after 11 matches this season.
Neymar, whose return from injury has been anything but impactful, has already missed seven games and is yet to register a goal or assist.
This latest suspension adds to the 32-year-old’s troubled campaign, further reducing his opportunity to make an impression for the struggling side.
