Neymar Could Miss Up to Six Games for Covering His Mouth Against Bahia

Covering his mouth could cost Neymar dearly. The Santos forward was reported to Brazil's Sports Justice Tribunal for breaking the so-called "Vinicius Junior rule," the regulation that punishes players for covering their mouth with their hand while arguing with an opponent. The penalty could reach as high as six games, a brutal blow right as the Brazilian championship heads into its final stretch.

It all happened during Santos's 1-0 win over Bahia on Saturday. Neymar was sent off after covering his mouth with his hand while arguing with Bahia midfielder Rodrigo Nestor. The gesture, which under the rule is interpreted as an attempt to hide what's being said in order to avoid punishment, was enough for the referee to show him a red card.

Bahia didn't stay quiet. The club publicly condemned what it called "verbal abuse" from Neymar toward its player. Nestor, speaking in the mixed zone afterward, was even more direct about what he heard from the Brazilian star:

He was very disrespectful, both to me and to Bahia's jersey.Rodrigo Nestor

Neymar, 34, admitted he was wrong to cover his mouth, but denied having said anything to Nestor. In fact, he went on the offensive himself, accusing the midfielder of pulling off "one of the dirtiest plays in soccer," making clear that, in his view, the provocation came from the other side.

What's at Stake

Neymar's hearing is set for this Wednesday, when it will be decided whether he receives the maximum penalty or something lighter. If the full punishment sticks, the forward would miss the rest of the Brasileirão, right at the stage where Santos needs points to secure its spot in the top flight.

The context makes it all the more sensitive. Santos, which narrowly avoided relegation last year, currently sits eighth in the standings, with a 12-point cushion over the relegation zone and just six games left to play. That margin is significant, but nobody at the club wants to get comfortable after last season's scare, and losing their biggest star for several matches is hardly good news for the team's peace of mind.

For now, it's all in the Tribunal's hands. Neymar awaits his chance to defend himself, Bahia has already made its position clear, and Nestor has put his version on the record. Come Wednesday, we'll know whether the Santos captain can keep playing a starring role down the stretch or whether he'll be watching from the stands instead.