Santos Futebol Clube has launched an investigation into the “alleged physical assault” involving Robinho Junior and Neymar during a training session on Sunday.
According to ESPN sources, Neymar reacted aggressively after the 18-year-old Robinho Jr. successfully dribbled past him, feeling disrespected by the maneuver.
“Santos Futebol Clube has become aware of an alleged physical assault involving a player affiliated with the club against another player,” stated a club statement in Portuguese.
Sources reveal that Neymar, 34, expressed his frustration by tripping Robinho Jr., which escalated into a heated argument before teammates intervened.
Robinho Jr. is reportedly distressed following the confrontation.
“Santos FC confirms that an internal investigation was immediately initiated by the club’s board following the incident involving Neymar Jr. and Robson de Souza Jr. [Robinho] during training on Sunday at the Rei Pelé Training Centre,” continued the club’s statement. “The Legal Department is overseeing the investigation.”
As per GloboEsporte, Robinho Jr. — the son of former Real Madrid and Manchester City player Robinho — has made three allegations against Neymar and is seeking a meeting with Santos to address the termination of his contract, citing “a lack of minimum safety standards” at the club.
Robinho Jr. has accused Neymar of “hurling offensive insults,” tripping him, and delivering “a violent slap to the face.”
When approached by ESPN, Neymar’s representatives declined to comment on the situation.
Prior to the altercation, sources mentioned that Neymar attempted to resolve the matter by reaching out to Robinho Jr. and sending messages to his family to offer apologies.
Neymar previously played with Robinho’s father on the Brazil national team.
Robinho Jr., who joined Santos’ first team last summer, has featured in eight games across all competitions this season. Neither player participated in Santos’ recent 1-1 draw with Palmeiras on Saturday.
Santos is scheduled to face Deportivo Recoleta of Paraguay in the Copa Sudamericana Group Stage on Tuesday.