Santos drew 1-1 with Recoleta in the Copa Sudamerica last night, but the match was a sideshow for the interviews that took place after.
Neymar scored in the group stage clash in South America’s Europa League equivalent, but people were only really interested in his scrap with Robinho Jr.
Leading Brazilian outlet Globo reported that Neymar responded badly to a piece of skill from the youngster in training, tripping him and slapping him.
Neymar’s camp denied the story, but Santos later confirmed an incident took place after more reports that Robinho’s agents threatened to leave the club.
Neymar apologises
Now trying to put the matter to bed (good luck) Neymar told ESPN: “These things happen in football.
“First of all, it should have been resolved between us. It was a misunderstanding in training, a reaction on my part, and I went a little too far.
“But right after, we apologised, we talked in the locker room, Robinho Jr. and I, and we understood each other.
“He’s a guy I really like; I’ve always had a special affection for him. It happens in football; you argue with your brother, with your friend.
“I’ve argued with several of my football friends, I’ve argued with everyone.
“These things should have been settled here; it shouldn’t have happened like that.
“Then, it fell into the hands of people who don’t know the day-to-day realities of football, and it ended up escalating things in a very negative way.
“If they want an apology to the press, here it is.”
Robinho Jr then gave his take.
Robinho Jr ‘upset’ with Neymar
“I was upset,” the 18-year-old said in the mixed zone. “He’s been my idol since childhood, I love him very much.
“He gave me a present when I was eight years old, I cried a lot, and I’ve kept the jersey ever since.
“It blew up way beyond what it should have. He’s already apologised and admitted his mistake.
“He was a man to take responsibility, and everything is settled.”
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