Neymar Handed Two-Match Ban for Covering His Mouth During Brazilian League Clash

Brazilian football star Neymar has been handed a two-match suspension for covering his mouth while arguing with an opponent during Santos' Brazilian league match against Bahia last weekend.

Brazil's sports tribunal imposed the punishment on Wednesday, ruling that the forward violated a protocol introduced in the name of Vinícius Júnior, the Real Madrid star who previously accused an opponent of racially abusing him while concealing his mouth with his jersey during a Champions League match.

Players are not generally prohibited from covering their mouths. However, the protocol targets the gesture during confrontations because it can make it difficult for referees and cameras to identify potentially racist or discriminatory remarks. The rule has also raised questions about whether the gesture alone should lead to punishment when no abusive comment has been established.

Neymar will miss three matches in total, one because of accumulated yellow cards and two for the mouth-covering incident.

The 34-year-old forward is set to serve his suspension for yellow-card accumulation against Palmeiras on Wednesday. With the additional ban, he is not expected to return to action until late November.

The incident has drawn attention to football authorities' efforts to combat racism and discriminatory behaviour during matches. Vinícius has repeatedly spoken out against racism in football, with incidents involving alleged verbal abuse prompting increased scrutiny of players' conduct during heated exchanges.

However, the disciplinary case may not be over. Neymar and Santos can appeal the two-match suspension imposed over the incident, potentially giving the Brazilian forward a chance to challenge the ruling.