Santos fans still furious at their side’s humiliating 6-0 defeat by Vasco da Gama on Sunday have given Neymar and Co a public dressing down.
In an extraordinary scene, Neymar – who was in tears after suffering the heaviest loss of his career – faced the music.
The club’s ultras let the team know exactly how they felt, with footage of the tongue-lashing posted online.
Neymar was right at the front and the players behind him listened solemnly to their irate supporters outside the training ground.
The assembled squad were told: ‘What’s happening on the pitch is not enough.’
ESPN Brazil also report that the players were threatened with violence at the CT Rei Pele facility, adding that Neymar told the ultras they are ‘trying to change things’.
Neymar was left in tears on Sunday after he suffered the heaviest defeat of his career
And few could argue with that sentiment after Sunday’s hammering. Neymar – who rejoined his boyhood club after a nightmare spell in Saudi – was overcome with emotion at full-time and was consoled on the pitch by a member of the club’s coaching staff.
As he then headed towards the tunnel, the 33-year-old could be seen in tears before wiping them away with his shirt.
‘I’m ashamed,’ Neymar said. ‘I’m totally disappointed with our performance.
‘The fans have every right to protest, obviously without using violence… but if they want to curse and insult, they’re in their right.’
‘It’s a feeling of extreme shame. I’ve never experienced this in my life. Unfortunately, it happened.
‘The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can’t help in every way. Anyway, it was total s***, that’s the reality.’
In the immediate aftermath of the dire defeat, Santos then sacked their head coach Cleber Xavier as they attempt to rescue their season.
Neymar has had a mixed impact back in his homeland, scoring six goals and adding three assists in 19 games, but Santos are 15th in the Brazilian top flight and just two points clear of the relegation zone.
The Brazilian was at least comforted by a message of support from his son, Davi Lucca, who wrote on social media: ‘Good evening, Dad. I know today has been a difficult day for you and for us, but I wanted you to know that in these difficult moments, and when no one is by your side, know that I will always be there for you.
Neymar’s son, David Lucca (right), wrote an emotional message to his father after the Brazilian icon lost 6-0
‘You are more than a great father, you are an idol, you are my inspiration, and even when you cry, I want you to know that I love you very much.
‘Always keep that in mind. Now, I want you to hold your head high and reach out to them as you always have and will. You are incredible. I love you with all my heart.’
Neymar replied: ‘I love you, my little one. Dad will get back on his feet.’
Speaking back in January on his romantic return to Santos, Neymar had expressed his delight at the move.
‘(I’ve been) wishing for this moment to come true for a long time,’ he said.
‘We’re helping each other, Santos are helping me, they’ve opened doors for me to rediscover soccer, to rediscover joy,’ he said.
That joy has turned to despair in recent weeks and Neymar will be aiming to spearhead a sharp turnaround in fortunes for the Brazilian giants.
