REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
Neymar is once again in the headlines in Brazil. This time, Remo's president has branded the former Barcelona attacker a 'bum' after viral footage emerged after Santos' recent win.
The two sides squared off in the last 16 of the Copa do Brasil and it was Neymar who played a decisive role in Santos' winning goal. The 34-year-old emerged from the bench to provide the assist for Rony's effort in the 74th minute.
What started on the pitch quickly spilled over to the dressing room, however, where Neymar found himself at the centre of the drama.
Footage emerged of the former PSG star taunting Remo players, officials and fans, with Brazilian outlet Metroples claiming that he shouted: "Eliminated! Eliminated!"
Remo also reacted, making gestures of their own in the direction of the legendary winger as seen in the footage below.
Remo president brands Neymar a 'bum' after viral footage
The reactions only continued after the footage emerged. So much so that Remo's president Antonio Carlos Teixeira had his say in the aftermath, branding Neymar a 'bum'.
"A great campaign [the one from Remo]. Now, feeling of being harmed, Santos doesn't need that. And this bum Neymar, who is idolised by a bunch of children, who did his antics here, still came to provoke. So, we are guilty of idolising a bunch of bums like this guy."
Football fans had their say, with some even calling for his retirement not long after he brought an end to his international career with Brazil. One reacting on social media wrote: "Just retire please."
"Embarrassing, time to hang up the boots," an X user added, while fans of the winger wrote on Reddit: "I don't know what's going on but this makes me sad."
Why Neymar reacted to Remo officials
neymar-brazil
On the surface, it looks like an explosive reaction from a legend coming to the end of his career in disappointing fashion. Dig a little deeper, however, and this was a reaction which had been building.
Metropoles have claimed that Neymar was 'very harassed' by the fans inside Remo’s Mangueirao stadium, saying: "It was possible to hear screams and curses directed at the player."
The 34-year-old, with a win under his and Santos' belt, could not hold back any longer at full-time and took his opportunity to gloat. Whilst some will say it was needless, the Brazilian is never one to shy away from saying his piece.
Just a few weeks ago, he was in the headlines as he bowed out for Brazil against Norway. After scoring his penalty, the legend found himself in a spat with goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, much to the disappointment of those watching on.
Leandro Paredes Argentina
Leandro Paredes Argentina