Neymar Covered His Mouth, Got Banned Two Matches, And Santos Won’t See Him Until November 22

Neymar is officially sidelined for almost a month, after the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) hit Santos’ number 10 with a two-match ban. The ruling came down on Wednesday for a violation of the Vini Jr. Protocol, specifically for covering his mouth during an argument with Bahia’s Rodrigo Nestor before the second half. This isn’t just about one game, folks; Santos can still appeal, but right now, their star won’t be back on the pitch until November 22.

The Bahia Blow-Up That Started It All

This whole mess kicked off during the 1,1 draw against Bahia. Neymar didn’t just get caught covering his mouth, which the STJD voted to suspend him for. He also snagged his *third* yellow card in the first half of that same match, throwing the ball at Nestor after a foul near the byline. That yellow card alone would’ve taken him out of Santos’ huge derby against Palmeiras, which was played on Wednesday, October 28, in Round 33 of the 2026 Brasileirão. But wait, there’s more. He also picked up a red card in that same game, meaning an automatic suspension for the very next match against RB Bragantino on Monday, November 2, in Round 34.

When Does Neymar Actually Return? Not Soon Enough.

So, let’s break down this suspension. The red card took him out of the RB Bragantino game, no question. Then, the STJD’s two-match suspension for the Vini Jr. Protocol violation added the Coritiba match to his sideline tour. That game is after the international break, on November 18, in Round 35. Translation for Santos fans: Neymar is *gone*. He won’t even step on the field again until November 22, when Santos faces Grêmio. That’s nearly a full month without their marquee player. This is a massive hit right in the thick of the Brasileirão.

Assuming he keeps his cool and doesn’t pick up another red card, the number 10 *should* be back for the final stretch of the Brasileirão season. He’d play against Vitória on November 29, and then in the final round against Botafogo on December 2. But first, Santos has to navigate this month-long Neymar-less stretch. Every point matters, and they’ll be doing it without their superstar.

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Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.