Brazilian football star Neymar couldn’t hold back tears after Santos were humiliated 6-0 at home by Vasco da Gama.
It was the worst defeat of his career and the first time Santos conceded six goals at home in a Serie A match.
The eight-time champions are now just two points above relegation.
Neymar didn’t hide his pain. “I’m ashamed,” he said. “I’m totally disappointed with our performance.”
He added: “The fans have every right to protest, obviously without using violence.”
“If they want to curse and insult, they’re in their right. To sum up our attitude on the field, it was terrible.”
“I’ve never experienced this in my life. The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can’t help in every way.”
Hours after the match, Santos sacked head coach Cleber Xavier.
Xavier had only won five out of 15 matches since taking charge in April.
Coutinho Shines as Vasco Crushes Santos
Philippe Coutinho, former Liverpool and Aston Villa midfielder, scored twice in the match.
Vasco da Gama secured their first win in six games and their biggest league victory in 17 years.
The win lifted Vasco out of the bottom four, just behind Santos on the table.
Santos had returned to the top flight last November after spending a year in Serie B.
Neymar’s Return Marred by Injury and Poor Form
Neymar rejoined Santos in January after leaving Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
He signed a six-month deal in June and has scored six goals with three assists in 21 matches.
But his comeback has been rocky.
He injured his hamstring 34 minutes into his first Serie A start of the season.
That injury kept him out of five league matches.
Neymar remains the most expensive player in football history, after his £200 million move to PSG in 2017.
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