Neymar criticised the state of the Vila Belmiro pitch after sustaining a right thigh injury during Wednesday’s Brazilian Cup game against Palmeiras.
The Brazilian forward was replaced at half-time after complaining of pain in his right hamstring.
Santos also lost winger Álvaro Barreal and defender Lucas Veríssimo to injuries against Palmeiras.
“I would like to congratulate our stadium grounds manager at Vila Belmiro… Yesterday the grounds were in the worst shape ever seen, full of holes because they de compacted the pitch 1 day before the game. “UNBELIEVABLE!!! In addition to playing against an opponent, we also had to play against the pitch…and on top of that we had to use more force to start and stop because the pitch is so irregular. It’s no wonder that 3 (players) fell (to injuries) in the first half… CONGRATS… GREAT sh*tty job.”
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Palmeiras, that held Santos to a goalless draw on Wednesday to progress to the Brazil Cup semifinals, 3-0 on aggregate, teased Neymar on an Instagram post.
Palmeiras praised their pitch and remarked wryly: “We want to congratulate those responsible for the pitch at Nubank Parque… No matter the day, the turf is always perfect and free of holes, because it is cared for daily. Believe it or not Besides providing a good pitch for the opposition, our players feel safer because the surface is always even when they’re running. It’s no coincidence that Palmeiras is the Série A club with the fewest injuries over the last five years… Congratulations, really. Great job.”
Santos, who are fighting to avoid relegation, also lost winger Álvaro Barreal and defender Lucas Veríssimo to injuries against Palmeiras.
Palmeiras added: “The solution to a bad pitch is to create a good pitch-simple as that.”
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Neymar, who left the pitch in tears on Wednesday, is doubtful for Sunday’s league game at Corinthians.
“Unfortunately, I felt some discomfort in my thigh,” Neymar wrote. “I will undergo tests and hope it’s nothing! We’re moving forward with our heads held high and staying focused on the process!!!”
Santos are 14th in the league standings, four points clear of the relegation zone.
