Neymar becomes first player to be forced to leave pitch in new time-wasting rule

Santos captain, Neymar Jr, became the first player in Brazil’s Serie A to be forced to leave the field for one minute due to a new rule designed to reduce time-wasting by goalkeepers, which is currently being trialed in the league.

As part of this trial, which will also be adopted in other competitions such as the English Premier League, if play is stopped because a goalkeeper needs medical attention, the coach is required to promptly nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute once play resumes.

Should the coach fail to identify a player within 10 seconds, the team’s captain will be obligated to leave the field.

This rule was first applied in the Brazilian top division during Santos’ 3-0 victory over Vasco on Sunday when goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao sought medical help.

The referee instructed captain Neymar to leave the field since the Santos coach failed to designate another player within 10 seconds.

Neymar, 34, participated in two matches for Brazil as a substitute during this year’s World Cup, netting a late penalty in their 2-1 defeat against Norway in the round of 16.