Neymar suspended for two games after mouth-covering incident in Santos match

Neymar has been banned for two matches after Brazil’s second disciplinary panel ruled that the Santos forward breached the country’s so-called “Vinicius Law” during a dispute with an opponent.

The rule, applied in Brazilian competitions, penalises players who cover their mouths while speaking on the pitch. It forms part of measures intended to improve transparency and tackle conduct considered inconsistent with sporting ethics.

The case was heard by the second disciplinary commission of Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice. A four-match suspension was proposed during the deliberations, but the majority ultimately decided on a two-game ban.

The ruling can still be appealed to the full chamber of the court.

The incident took place during Santos’ Brazilian league match against Bahia at Vila Belmiro on Saturday. The game finished 1-1.

Neymar and Bahia midfielder Rodrigo Nestor had already clashed during the first half. Before the start of the second period, the pair became involved in another confrontation, during which Neymar placed his hand over his mouth while speaking to his opponent.

Nestor immediately reported the incident to the referee. The official said he had not seen it himself, but was then alerted by the video assistant referee before showing Neymar a straight red card.

The referee’s report also stated that Neymar ran towards the visiting side’s substitutes’ bench after being dismissed in an apparent attempt to confront Nestor. His team-mates had to restrain him and prevent him from reaching the Bahia player.

Panel says gesture undermined transparency

Delmiro Campos, the official responsible for investigating the case, said the gesture had been intended to conceal what Neymar said during the argument and therefore conflicted with principles of transparency and sporting ethics.

“Objectively speaking, the gesture of covering the mouth in the context of a confrontation directed at the opponent, together with an awareness that this conduct was not permitted, are two matters that cannot be disputed,” Campos said.

Neymar’s lawyers rejected the suggestion that the exchange represented hostility or a serious quarrel between the players. They argued that the pair had merely exchanged words in an atmosphere of joking and light-heartedness.

Speaking during the hearing, lawyer Marcelo Mendes said: “Not every gesture of covering the mouth falls under the Vinicius Law, and the player placed his hand over his mouth instinctively.”

Neymar, a former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player, will now serve the suspension unless Santos’ appeal is successful. The decision was reported on 28 October 2026.