Neymar: Child insulted by fans after asking for Brazilian star’s shirt

A child who supports Corinthians had to leave São Paulo’s Neo Química Arena under police escort after fans insulted him and his family for accepting a shirt from Neymar.

The incident occurred during Corinthians’ 1-0 defeat by Santos in the Brazilian championship. Videos published by local media showed a group of supporters shouting and gesturing at the family, continuing the abuse as they moved through the stadium tunnel. Local reports identified the boy as eight years old.

Corinthians condemned the behavior in a statement. “Within and beyond the field, there are limits that must not be crossed. Aggression against a child is one of them,” the club said. It added that club passion, rivalry and football’s emotion could never take precedence over respect, good conduct and safety, especially when a child was involved.

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Within and beyond the field, there are limits that must not be crossed. Aggression against a child is one of them.

Neymar also criticized the treatment. “There is nothing wrong with a boy liking a player from a different team. You cannot treat a child that way,” he told reporters on Sunday.

The episode comes as Brazilian and South American football continue to grapple with recurring stadium violence. Biometric controls, partly intended to strengthen security, are required by law at Brazilian stadiums with capacity for at least 20,000 spectators.

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There is nothing wrong with a boy liking a player from a different team. You cannot treat a child that way.