Neymar has spoken about the impact Diego Maradona had on his career after meeting him as a child but his bid to emulate the late Argentine great’s “Hand of God” goal backfired on Sunday when he was sent off in what could be his last game for Santos.
With Santos and Botafogo locked at 0-0 heading into the last 15 minutes of their Brazilian league game, Neymar launched himself at a rebound in the penalty area and steered the ball into the net with his hand.
The Brazilian was quickly surrounded by furious Botafogo players before the referee flashed a second yellow card at the forward, cutting short his first start for the club since he made his return from injury last month.
Rubbing salt into the wound, Botafogo scored with four minutes left to secure a 1-0 victory.
The 33-year-old former Barcelona and Paris St. Germain attacker later apologized to his team and fans.
“I made a mistake, forgive me!” he posted on social media.
“Today, if I hadn’t been sent off, I’m sure we would have gotten the three points. You can count these three points against me!“
Neymar had returned to his boyhood club Santos in January after a stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, with his contract at the Brazilian side running until June 30.
The red card rules him out of Santos’s match against Fortaleza on Thursday, meaning he will only be able to play for the club again if he extends his contract before the league’s resumption in July following the Club World Cup.
Santos are 18th in the league having lost seven of their 11 matches.
’Hand of Neymar’ earns Brazilian red card in potential Santos send off
’Hand of Neymar’ earns Brazilian red card in potential Santos send off
- Neymar had returned to his boyhood club Santos in January after a stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, with his contract at the Brazilian side running until June 30
Dubai Basketball launches ‘Basket for Basket’ Ramadan initiative
- Project with Dubai Sports Council and UAE Food Bank takes place at EuroLeague match on Thursday
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball has announced a special Ramadan initiative for its upcoming EuroLeague home fixture against LDLC ASVEL on Thursday, Feb. 26.
In the spirit of giving that defines the holy month, the team will donate one meal for every point scored by the home team during the game. In addition, every ticket purchased for the game will equal one meal donated to families in need across the UAE.
Delivered in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Food Bank, the initiative reflects Dubai Basketball’s commitment to creating meaningful social impact beyond the court, the team stated in a release on Tuesday.
As Dubai’s first professional sports franchise competing in European competitions, the team wants to be a competitive force internationally and community-driven institution.
Dejan Kamenjasevic, CEO of Dubai Basketball, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “Ramadan is a time of reflection, unity and generosity.
“As a team that proudly represents Dubai on an international stage, we believe our responsibility goes far beyond basketball. This city has given us an incredible platform, support system and belief, and it is our duty to give back in a way that reflects the values of the nation.”
“Through this initiative, every point scored, and every ticket purchased becomes something bigger than the game.
“Our ambition is not only to compete at the highest level in Europe but also to build a team that contributes to the community and supports the people who make the Dubai dream possible.”
