Neymar Faces 5 to 12-Match Ban After Sexist Comments About Referee

Neymar is facing the possibility of a lengthy suspension of between five and 12 matches after allegedly making sexist and discriminatory remarks about referee Sávio Pereira Sampaio following Santos FC’s 2-0 win over Clube do Remo on April 3.

The incident took place during a post-match interview at Vila Belmiro Stadium, after a Brazilian Série A game in which Neymar became frustrated with the officiating late in the game.

According to Brazilian media reports, the Santos star, angered after receiving a yellow card in the closing stages, told reporters from SportTV and Globo that the referee had “woken up on his period;” The phrase was promptly denounced and condemned as sexist.

The comment reportedly came after Neymar criticized what he described as the referee’s arrogance and refusal to engage in dialogue following a foul committed against him in the final minutes.

The case is now expected to be reviewed by Brazil’s Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD), which is likely to open a formal investigation into potential discriminatory conduct.

Under current disciplinary precedents, Neymar could face a ban ranging from five to 12 matches, depending on the severity assigned to the remarks.

Neymar Júnior is facing strong accusations of misogyny in Brazil after his controversial post-match comments following Santos vs Remo.

“I think the referee got her period and that’s why she refereed like that.” pic.twitter.com/3CXCtYGehZ

— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) April 3, 2026

Read also: Neymar Dropped for Brazil Friendlies, But Ancelotti Says ‘He Can Go to the World Cup If He’s 100%’

A recent case may weigh heavily in the tribunal’s decision. Last month, defender Gustavo Marques of RB Bragantino was handed a 12-match suspension for making similarly sexist comments toward a female referee.

That precedent has fueled speculation that Neymar could face a similarly severe punishment. Even before any disciplinary ruling, the 34-year-old is already ruled out of Santos’ next major matches.

Because the yellow card he received against Remo was his third in four matches, Neymar is automatically suspended for the upcoming clash against CR Flamengo at the Maracanã Stadium.

The controversy comes at a particularly delicate moment in his career. Neymar is currently trying to convince Carlo Ancelotti that he deserves a place in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A long suspension at this stage of the season could seriously damage his chances of being included in the final list for the tournament this summer.

For both Santos and the Brazilian national team, the timing could hardly be worse.

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