Sports
Neymar sent off under Brazil's "Vinicius Law" for covering his mouth in Santos draw
October 25, 2026 at 08:57 AM · Updated 38m ago
Coverage
4 reports · over 3 hours
Neymar received a direct red card in Santos' 1-1 draw with Bahia for covering his mouth during a verbal clash, under the "Vinicius Junior Law."
- Following a VAR review, the referee showed Neymar a direct red card for covering his mouth during a clash with Bahia's Rodrigo Nestor.
- The rule, approved before the 2026 World Cup, bars players from covering their mouths in verbal exchanges, following racist-abuse accusations against Benfica's Gianluca Prestiani.
- Neymar said on Instagram that Nestor "tried to exploit" the anti-racism law and overacted, while acknowledging he made a mistake.
- Nestor told broadcaster Spor TV that Neymar kicked the ball at his body and made remarks he refused to repeat "because there are children watching."
- In an Instagram video, Neymar accused Nestor of feigning injury and warned the Bahia player he would never sleep peacefully.



