Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. was shown a red card on Sunday after attempting to score with his hand during Santos' 1-0 defeat to Botafogo in the Brazilian Serie A.

The incident occurred in the 76th minute when Neymar punched the ball into the net from close range. The referee immediately disallowed the goal and showed the 33-year-old forward a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal from the match.

The red card came as a significant blow to Santos, who were already struggling in the match. Their fortunes worsened when Botafogo's Artur Guimaras scored the winning goal in the closing minutes, securing all three points for the visitors.

This defeat has left Santos in a precarious position, sitting 18th in the league table after 11 fixtures, placing them in the relegation zone of the Brazilian top flight.

Neymar's return to his boyhood club has been far from ideal. The Brazilian international has already missed seven games this season due to injury and is yet to register either a goal or an assist for Santos since his homecoming. This suspension will further limit his playing time as he attempts to regain form and fitness.

The dismissal comes at a particularly challenging time for Santos as they battle to climb out of the relegation zone. Neymar's experience and quality were expected to help the club improve their standing, but his absence through injury and now suspension has complicated matters.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star will now serve a suspension, with the length to be determined by the Brazilian football authorities. Santos will be hoping for a minimal ban as they look to turn their season around in the coming weeks.