Santos are at the centre of a serious internal disciplinary matter after opening a formal investigation into what the club describes as an "alleged physical assault" committed by Neymar against teenage team-mate Robinho Junior during a training session at the Rei Pelé Training Centre on Sunday.

The incident, according to sources who spoke to ESPN, began when 18-year-old Robinho Jr. dribbled past the 34-year-old club captain, with Neymar reportedly reacting because he felt disrespected. He is then said to have tripped the teenager, sparking a heated confrontation that required team-mates to step in and separate the pair.

Three allegations made against club captain

The situation has escalated considerably since Sunday. According to a report by GloboEsporte, Robinho Jr. has now put forward three distinct allegations against Neymar — that the veteran hurled offensive verbal abuse at him, deliberately tripped him, and delivered a violent slap to the face. The teenager is also said to have demanded a meeting with the Santos board to discuss terminating his contract, citing a "lack of minimum safety standards" at the club.

Santos moved quickly to acknowledge the matter publicly. In a statement issued in Portuguese, the club confirmed:

  • An internal investigation was launched immediately by the club's board following the incident.
  • The club's Legal Department is leading the inquiry into the episode involving Neymar Jr. and Robson de Souza Jr.
  • The investigation relates to an alleged physical assault by one affiliated player against another during training.

When approached by ESPN, Neymar's press office declined to offer any comment on the matter on the captain's behalf.

Apology reportedly sent to player's family

Sources suggest there was an attempt at reconciliation in the immediate aftermath of the altercation, with Neymar reportedly phoning Robinho Jr. directly and sending messages to the player's family to apologise for his behaviour. Whether that will be enough to defuse what has become a very public and damaging episode for the club remains to be seen.

There is a particular layer of sensitivity to the episode given the family connection involved. Neymar and Robinho Jr.'s father — the former Real Madrid and Manchester City forward Robinho — were team-mates in the Brazil national setup, lending an uncomfortable personal dimension to the falling-out.

A difficult backdrop at Santos

The timing is awkward for the Campeonato Brasileiro side on multiple fronts. The Santos head coach has previously gone on record to state that Neymar is not to blame for the club's recent poor run of results — a public show of support that now looks somewhat complicated by this week's events.

Robinho Jr., who was promoted to the Santos first team last summer, has made eight appearances in all competitions this season. Neither he nor Neymar were involved in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Palmeiras prior to the training-ground incident coming to light.

With Santos' Legal Department now conducting the investigation, the club will be under pressure to act decisively. The noises out of the Robinho Jr. camp — contract termination demands and formal allegations — suggest this is unlikely to go away quietly. All eyes are now on what Santos' board decides once the probe has run its course.

Frequently asked

What did Neymar allegedly do to Robinho Jr. at Santos training?
According to sources, Neymar tripped Robinho Jr. after the teenager dribbled past him, and the 18-year-old has also alleged that Neymar hurled offensive insults at him and slapped him in the face.
Who is Robinho Jr. and what is his connection to Neymar?
Robinho Jr. is the 18-year-old son of former Real Madrid and Manchester City forward Robinho. His father played alongside Neymar for the Brazil national team.
What action are Santos taking following the training ground incident?
Santos have launched a formal internal investigation led by their Legal Department. Robinho Jr. has also reportedly demanded a meeting with the club over terminating his contract.