Neymar launches furious Vila Belmiro pitch attack after Santos injury

Neymar has criticised the condition of Santos’ Vila Belmiro pitch after suffering a thigh injury during the club’s Copa do Brasil quarter-final exit against Palmeiras.

The Brazil forward was forced off at half-time of the second leg after feeling discomfort in his thigh as Santos drew 0-0 with Palmeiras. Santos were eliminated 3-0 on aggregate after losing the first meeting.

Neymar later used Instagram to express his anger at the state of the playing surface, sarcastically congratulating those responsible for preparing the pitch.

“I would like to congratulate whoever was responsible for the Vila Belmiro pitch,” he wrote.

He then delivered a more direct assessment of the conditions, saying the surface was the worst Santos had ever played on.

“What happened yesterday was the worst pitch the club has ever seen. It was full of holes because of work carried out one day before the match. It is unbelievable! As well as playing against the opposition, we were also playing against the pitch,” Neymar said.

The 10 added that the poor surface had made the match more physically demanding and suggested it contributed to several players being injured during the opening 45 minutes.

“To make matters worse, we had to exert even more effort because of its terrible condition. No wonder three players were injured in the first half. Great job… Otimo trabalho de merda,” he said.

Neymar also addressed his own injury, saying he would undergo medical tests to determine its seriousness.

“Unfortunately, I felt discomfort in my thigh. I will have tests and I hope it is not serious. We will keep our spirits up and focus on what comes next,” he wrote.

Santos’ defeat ended their involvement in the Copa do Brasil, with Palmeiras progressing after protecting the advantage they established in the first leg.

Palmeiras responded to Neymar’s criticism with a sarcastic statement praising the condition of their own pitch. The club said its surface was maintained every day and remained in perfect condition.

The club also said the quality of its playing field gave Palmeiras’ players a greater sense of safety. In a pointed response to Neymar’s comments, Palmeiras added that it had been the Brazilian top-flight club with the fewest injuries over the past five years.

The exchange followed a difficult night for Santos, who were unable to overturn the three-goal deficit despite playing the second leg at Vila Belmiro. Neymar’s early departure added to the frustration of the elimination and left the forward waiting for the results of his medical examination.