Santos coach wins disciplinary battle against Neymar

One day after complaining of the weak fine against 18-year-old striker of the Santos soccer team, coach Dorival Junior won a moral battle on Saturday. The club's administration decided to suspend the player for an undetermined amount of time.

Initially, the club placed an undisclosed fine on the player's salary for his outburst during the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship on September 15. The young striker verbally lashed out against the coach when not allowed to take a penalty kick against Atletico-GO.

Dissatisfied, Dorival Junior threatened to quit if the player did not receive a harsher punishment and a least a 15-day suspension.

Taking the coach seriously, club president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira decided to suspend Neymar temporarily, keeping him from playing in the team's upcoming match against Guarani on September 19.

Oliveira will meet personally with the head coach on Monday to discuss the matter. The team hopes to be able to count on their star striker in the big match against rival Corinthians on September 22. Junior initially proclaimed that Neymar deserves a minimum of a 15-day suspension.

Source: Xinhua