Neymar sent off for one minute under new trial rule

Brazilian star Neymar became the first high-profile player to be temporarily removed from the field under a new experimental football rule aimed at reducing time-wasting.

The Santos captain was forced to spend one minute off the pitch during his side’s 3-0 win over Vasco in Brazil’s Serie A, although he was not at fault for the incident.

The rule was triggered after Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão received treatment during the match. When play was about to resume, Santos coach Alexi Stival was given 10 seconds to nominate an outfield player to leave the field for one minute.

Stival failed to make the decision within the allotted time. Under the new rule, the team captain must then serve the temporary removal, forcing Neymar to leave the pitch.

Neymar returned after one minute and continued the match.

The experimental measure is being tested in several competitions, including the English Premier League, as football authorities look for ways to reduce delays caused by unnecessary goalkeeper treatment.

Under the trial, when a goalkeeper receives treatment during a stoppage, one outfield player from the same team must remain off the field for one minute after play resumes. The coach has 10 seconds to nominate the player.

The rule’s future as a permanent part of football’s laws will depend on the outcome of the trials and subsequent evaluation. Neymar’s unusual one-minute spell off the pitch has already drawn significant attention to the experiment.