SAEDNEWS: Neymar was forced to leave the pitch for one minute during Santos’ 3-0 victory over Vasco da Gama after the referee applied Brazil’s new anti-time-wasting rule.
According to SaedNews: Santos defeated Vasco da Gama 3-0 in the 23rd round of the Brazilian league, but the match featured an unusual incident involving Neymar.
Spanish newspaper AS reported that the strangest moment came when Neymar had to leave the field for one minute under a new Brazilian league regulation designed to prevent time wasting.
Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão requested medical attention, but referee Casagrande considered the injury unnecessary and viewed the request as an intentional attempt to disrupt the match. Under the new rule, if the referee believes a goalkeeper is deliberately pretending to be injured to waste time, one of his teammates must leave the field for one minute after play resumes.
Since Santos coach Quixá had no choice over which player would leave, Neymar, as team captain, accepted the responsibility. He watched the game from the sideline for one minute before receiving permission from the referee to return.
Although the incident drew attention because of Neymar’s involvement, it highlighted Brazil’s stricter enforcement of new measures aimed at reducing delays, especially when matches are stopped due to goalkeeper injuries.
