Neymar was at the center of a contentious exchange with the referee following an erroneous substitution in Santos’ league match against Coritiba.
The incident unfolded in the second half when Neymar went down to receive treatment for a calf issue. Simultaneously, his number was displayed on the substitution board, indicating that Robinho Jr. was coming on in his place.
Unaware of the substitution, Neymar returned to the pitch after his treatment. Realizing what had transpired, he approached referee Paulo Cesar Zanovelli to argue that left-back Escobar (No. 31) should have been the one to leave the field.
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Furious, Neymar pointed at the fourth official, but the substitution remained in effect. By this point, Santos were trailing 3-0, leaving them in 16th place in the standings.