Neymar Furious Over Referee's Substitution Blunder, Missing Chance to Impress Carlo Ancelotti Ahead of 2026 World Cup Selection
A referee's substitution error removed Neymar from a Santos match in the 65th minute, robbing the Brazilian star of a chance to impress coach Carlo Ancelotti who was evaluating players for the 2026 World Cup squad.
Brazilian star Neymar was left fuming after a referee mistakenly substituted him out of a Santos match against Coritiba in the 65th minute, costing him a crucial opportunity to showcase his abilities in front of Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti who was watching the game to evaluate players for the 2026 World Cup squad.
The incident occurred in the 65th minute when Santos were losing to Coritiba. While Neymar was receiving treatment on the sideline, Santos requested a substitution to bring on Robinho Junior to replace Gonzalo Escobar. However, the referee mistakenly held up the number 10 sign to remove Neymar instead.
Neymar lost his composure and angrily displayed the substitution sheet to the broadcast cameras. Despite receiving a yellow card, he was eventually forced to leave the pitch since once a replacement player enters after a legitimate substitution request, the decision cannot be reversed according to the rules.
After the match, Santos issued a statement saying: "The fourth official made a clear substitution error, as evidenced by the paperwork. This is an inexplicable mistake that has not been corrected."
Neymar, who has been dealing with injury problems, was hoping to make an impression on the pitch to boost his chances of returning to the national team under Ancelotti's new era.
