Neymar was at the centre of controversy once again last night following a post-match bust-up with Remo fans and officials after helping Santos into the quarter-finals of the Brazilian Cup.
A bruising encounter was settled in Santos’ favour thanks to Rony Rustico’s goal that gave Santos a 1-0 win on the night and on aggregate following a goalless draw in the first leg.
Santos moved into the last eight for the first time in five years but the win was overshadowed by troubling scenes after the final whistle with Neymar taking his celebrations too far.
Having left the pitch and entered the dressing room areas at the Estadio Mangueirão, Neymar was quick to show how much the win meant to him, shouting “eliminado” (eliminated) at the Remo officials.
They responded with gestures and abuse, prompting the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star to thump the Santos badge and then start dancing.
Remo players then attempted to jump makeshift barriers to get to Neymar before security stepped in to diffuse the situation.
Santos through but not without a fight
Remo were reduced to 10 men after 27 minutes with the hosts’ captain Marllon sent off, after the intervention of the VAR, for pulling back Santos striker Gustavo Caballero.
And with the visitors failing to make much headway in the remainder of the first half, Santos coach Cuca made three changes at the break, including the introduction of Neymar and Rony.
Remo continued to offer a threat and Ze Welison fired a free-kick onto the post.
But Neymar provided the class as Santos opened the scoring after 74 minutes. The 34-year-old, who admitted yesterday he was contemplating retirement when his contract expires in December, skipped past Ze Welison and provided the pass for Rony to score against his old club.
The final quarter of an hour was frantic. Ze Welison escaped a red card for elbowing Samuel Pierri while Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao produced a brilliant save to deny Matheus Alexandre.
Neymar missed a great chance to make it 2-0 before the home side hit the woodwork again through Vitor Bueno.
