Neymar scores twice, mocks critics on Santos return

Neymar marked his return to Santos with a brace, scoring twice in a 2-2 draw against bottom club Chapecoense. The goals, however, were overshadowed by his provocative celebrations, which appeared to mock critics who have scrutinized his lifestyle and recent activities. The 34-year-old forward celebrated his opening goal with a card-dealing gesture and mimicked a golf swing with a corner flag.

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His brace helped Santos, who remain embroiled in a relegation battle, rescue a 2-2 home draw against bottom club Chapecoense on Saturday, AFP reported.

His return to action followed a two-and-a-half-month absence and came after renewed criticism. This included his participation in a poker tournament while his teammates were engaged in a Copa Sudamericana match. Neymar had previously faced scrutiny over his lifestyle choices.

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He came under renewed scrutiny this week after taking part in a poker tournament while his team-mates were playing a Copa Sudamericana match in Venezuela.

The draw did little to ease Santos's precarious position in Brazil's top flight, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone. The club remains embroiled in a battle to avoid dropping to a lower division.

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Neymar responded by celebrating his opening goal with a card-dealing gesture before using a corner flag to mimic a golf swing.