Brazilian soccer star Neymar of Santos has been handed an additional two-game suspension for violating the so-called "Vinicius rule."
The Associated Press and Reuters reported Wednesday that Neymar was punished for covering his mouth while arguing with an opposing player during a Brazilian league match.
Neymar, 34, was sent off during Santos' 1-1 home draw with Bahia on Saturday after getting into an argument with midfielder Rodrigo Nestor shortly before halftime, with Santos trailing 1-0. During the exchange, Neymar covered his mouth with his hand.
Brazil's Superior Court of Sports Justice ruled that the gesture violated the "Vinicius rule."
The rule was introduced after allegations that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni made racist remarks toward Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior while covering his mouth during a UEFA Champions League match in February. It was later adopted for use beginning with this summer's FIFA World Cup in North America.
Neymar had already been set to miss the next match because of accumulated yellow cards. With the additional suspension, he will now miss three games in total and is not expected to return until late November, after the FIFA international break.
Santos can appeal the additional punishment.
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 international appearances, retired from the national team after the World Cup.
(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)
