Neymar reflected on the influence Diego Maradona had on his career after a childhood encounter, but his attempt to recreate Maradona’s infamous “hand of God” moment was highlighted during what may be Santos’ last match on Sunday. In a goalless encounter against Botafogo, Neymar scored by using his hand in the penalty area just minutes before the final whistle.
He was swiftly surrounded by angry Botafogo players and received a second yellow card – a decision made by a referee returning from an injury last month. Adding insult to injury, Botafogo secured a 1-0 victory with just four minutes left on the clock.
The 33-year-old, who previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, expressed regret to his teammates and fans. “I made a mistake, please forgive me!” he wrote on social media. “If I hadn’t been sent off today, I’m sure we would have earned three points. You can blame those points on me!”
Neymar rejoined Santos in January after a period with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The red card will keep him sidelined for Santos’ upcoming match against Fortaleza, meaning he might only return to play if he extends his contract before the league resumes in July after the Club World Cup. Currently, Santos is struggling in 18th place, having lost seven of their eleven matches.
### Fan Take
This incident highlights the precarious position of clubs like Santos, who are struggling in the league, and could stir frustration among fans hoping for a turnaround. Neymar’s decision-making on the field not only impacts his team but also raises concerns about accountability among star players, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sport.
