[Saba Sports News] According to Brazilian media, Neymar clashed with Santos fans after the team’s 1-1 home draw against Recoleta in the second round of the Copa Sudamericana group stage. Reports said a group of fans in the VIP section expressed their dissatisfaction with Neymar after the match and even told the number 10 to show more respect to the club. Neymar responded immediately. Pointing at the Santos badge on his shirt, he said: “I respect this place. I fucking respect this place deeply.” He later addressed the criticism and repeated several times that the fans were right. After the game, fans protested against the team and Santos’ management, chanting “shameless team” and “you must deserve this Santos shirt”. Club president Marcelo Teixeira was also booed.
The editor believes that it is only natural for fans to demand better performances from their home team. Santos currently sit bottom of Group D in the Copa Sudamericana, with just one point from two matches. Next, Santos will turn their attention back to the Brazilian league, as the side is set to face Fluminense at the weekend.