Neymar Receives Red Card In What Could Be Final Match For Santos FC

‎Neymar discussed how meeting Diego Maradona as a child influenced his career.

‎However, his attempt to replicate Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ goal ultimately backfired when he was sent off in what might be his final match for Santos.

‎With Santos and Botafogo locked at 0-0 heading into the last 15 minutes of their Brazilian league game, Neymar launched himself at a rebound in the penalty area and steered the ball into the net with his hand.

‎The Brazilian was quickly surrounded by furious Botafogo players before the referee issued a second yellow card, resulting in his early dismissal.

‎This marked his first start for the club since returning from injury last month. To add insult to injury, Botafogo scored in the final four minutes, securing a 1-0 victory.

‎The 33-year-old former Barcelona and Paris St Germain attacker later apologized to his team and fans.

‎”I made a mistake, forgive me!” he posted on social media.

‎”Today, if I hadn’t been sent off, I’m sure we would have gotten the three points. You can count these three points against me!”

‎Neymar had returned to his boyhood club Santos in January after a stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, with his contract at the Brazilian side running until June 30th.

‎The red card rules Neymar out of Santos’s upcoming match against Fortaleza on Thursday.

‎He will only be able to play again if he extends his contract before the league resumes in July after the Club World Cup.

‎Santos currently sits 18th in the league, having lost seven of their 11 matches so far.