Football Star Neymar Handed Two-Match Ban for Covering Mouth During Dispute

▲ Neymar

Brazilian football star Neymar (34, Santos) has received an additional two-match suspension for violating the so-called "Vinicius rule."

AP and Reuters reported on October 29 (Korea Standard Times) that "Neymar has been handed a two-match suspension for covering his mouth while arguing with an opposing player during a Brazilian league match."

Neymar was sent off just before the end of the first half while trailing 1-0 in a home match against EC Bahia on October 25, which ended in a 1-1 draw, after covering his mouth with his hand during an argument with opposing midfielder Rodrigo Nestor.

The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) in Brazil ruled that Neymar's actions violated the "Vinicius rule."

This rule was established following allegations that Benfica's (Portugal) Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while making racist remarks toward Real Madrid's (Spain) Vinicius Junior during a UEFA Champions League match last February, and it has been applied starting from the FIFA World Cup in North America held this summer.

Having already been ineligible for the next match due to an accumulation of yellow cards, Neymar will now miss a total of three matches, delaying his return to the pitch until late November after the FIFA international break.

Santos can appeal Neymar's additional suspension.

Neymar, who holds the record for the most goals in the history of the Brazilian national team with 80 goals in 130 appearances, retired from the national team following the North America World Cup.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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