Brazilian star Neymar was left in tears on Sunday after his boyhood club Santos were crushed 6-0 at home by Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian Serie A.
It was the heaviest home defeat in Neymar’s career and the first time Santos have conceded six goals in a league match. The loss also led to the sacking of coach Cleber Xavier just hours after the game.
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa forward Philippe Coutinho scored twice as Vasco earned their first league win in six games and their biggest league victory in 17 years.
“I’m ashamed,” Neymar said. “I’m totally disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest. Our attitude on the field was terrible. The tears were from anger, from everything.”
The 33-year-old returned to Santos in January after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, signing a six-month contract in June. Since returning, Neymar has scored six goals and made three assists in 21 games across all competitions.
Neymar had to leave the field in tears after 34 minutes due to a hamstring injury in his first Serie A start of the season, missing the next five league games.
Under Xavier, Santos won only five of 15 matches and now sit just two points above the relegation zone, one place above Vasco. Santos had been promoted back to the top flight last November after spending a year in Serie B.
Santos will aim to bounce back when they play Bahia away on Sunday, 24 August.
