Neymar called the Vila Belmiro surface the worst he had experienced there after Santos’ draw with Palmeiras. Arthur backed him, while Palmeiras responded with a social-media dig.

Neymar blasts Santos pitch as Arthur agrees and Palmeiras fires back

Neymar’s criticism of the Vila Belmiro pitch has sparked controversy after Arthur Melo supported him and Palmeiras mocked the Santos star online.

Neymar attacked the surface after suffering a right-thigh problem during Santos’ 0-0 Copa do Brasil draw with Palmeiras.

He called it the worst pitch he had experienced at Vila Belmiro and questioned maintenance work carried out shortly before the match.

Santos have since started repairs, while Palmeiras used the controversy to promote their artificial pitch.

Neymar calls Vila Belmiro pitch the worst he has seen

Following Santos’ elimination, Neymar criticised the field in an Instagram Story, claiming it contained holes and uneven areas.

He described it as the “worst pitch Vila has ever had.”

He was particularly unhappy that soil decompression work had reportedly been completed only one day before the Palmeiras match.

Pitch condition raises injury concerns

Neymar argued that the uneven surface forced players to use more strength when accelerating, changing direction and stopping.

He also pointed to the physical problems suffered by himself, Barreal and Lucas Veríssimo during the first half.

However, there is no medical evidence proving that the pitch caused any of those injuries.

Why was the pitch treated before the match?

Reports in Brazil say heavy rain had left the soil excessively wet before the game.

The grounds team carried out decompression work to improve drainage and circulation through the soil.

However, the process reportedly left holes and uneven sections on the surface, supporting Neymar’s criticism of its condition.

Santos begin repairing Vila Belmiro

Santos started restoring the pitch the day after the Palmeiras match.

The work includes realigning the grass, repairing uneven areas and applying around 200 kilograms of fertiliser.

The club appears focused on fixing the surface rather than publicly challenging Neymar.

Neither Santos nor the company responsible for the pitch has issued a detailed response to his comments.

Arthur Melo backs Neymar

New Santos teammate Arthur Melo also criticised the surface during his presentation.

The former Barcelona and Juventus midfielder said the current pitch may be the worst he has experienced at Vila Belmiro.

Arthur’s comments directly supported Neymar’s assessment.

He also warned that poor surfaces can increase physical demands and potentially raise injury risks.

Palmeiras mock Neymar

Palmeiras responded on social media by praising the artificial surface at Nubank Parque for its consistency and lack of holes.

The wording echoed Neymar’s criticism of Vila Belmiro, making the target of the post clear.

The response was especially provocative because Neymar has repeatedly criticised artificial pitches in Brazil.

Palmeiras president Leila Pereira also joined the debate, adding to the wider argument over artificial and natural playing surfaces.

Neymar’s injury remains unclear

Neymar could not return for the second half after feeling discomfort in his right thigh.

Further examinations are expected to determine the severity of the problem.

Neither a Palmeiras tackle nor the Vila Belmiro pitch has been medically confirmed as the direct cause.

Reports indicate the discomfort appeared during a movement rather than from one specific challenge.

Pitch debate grows beyond Neymar

What began as an Instagram complaint has become a dispute involving Santos, Arthur and Palmeiras.

Neymar believes the Vila Belmiro surface was unacceptable, Arthur agrees, and Santos have begun repairs.

Palmeiras, meanwhile, are using the controversy to defend their artificial pitch while Santos await further news on Neymar’s injury.