Neymar apologises for Santos fan row and vows to focus only on football | OneFootball

Neymar has apologised for arguing with a supporter after Santos’ 1-1 draw at Vila Belmiro, pledging to ignore provocation and concentrate on football. The player said in a post that he should not have engaged, apologised to anyone offended, and promised not to repeat it, adding that people can say what they want and he will just play.

The confrontation followed Tuesday night’s Copa Sudamericana group-stage match against Paraguay’s Deportivo Recoleta, the second round of the section. The forward was insulted and called “mimado” in the cativas area, having initially maintained he would not accept personal abuse.

As he began an interview, Neymar told a supporter to be quiet. After speaking to reporters and moving towards the bench area, the exchange intensified in the social section.

He was accompanied by a security guard and a club press officer, neither intervened, and he continued the discussion with the fan for a few minutes.

Later, Neymar explained he reacted to the way he was addressed, saying he accepts criticism of performances but not personal attacks. He added that players were also unhappy to leave with a draw.

Santos face Fluminense on Sunday at Vila Belmiro in the 12th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, and there is an expectation Neymar will feature.

Source: Globo.com