Neymar insists 'desperation' to score a goal led to failed 'Hand of God' attempt in grovelling apology as handball red card proves costly in late Santos defeat to Botafogo

Neymar was sent off in the 76th minute after he picked up a second yellow card for punching the ball into the net. The Brazil icon's absence proved costly as Botafogo scored the winning goal 10 minutes later and secured a crucial three points in Brazil's Serie A.

After the game, the 33-year-old attacker posted an apology on social media as he wrote: "Desperation of scoring sometimes causes us to commit mistakes... I want to apologise to my teammates and also to the fans! I made a mistake, forgive me!!! Today, if I didn't get sent off, I’m sure we could get the 3 points.. Congratulations to the team for today's game! Those 3 points can be put on my account!!!"

IG:@neymarjr

Neymar also claimed that he was wrongfully shown his first yellow card, thereby indicating that his sending off could have been avoided, as he added: "Note: second yellow has to be given, but the first one is the judge's drainage, I made a mistake and I'm already taking yellow... What a bad judge. That's just my opinion...please don't punish me anymore."

Santos will be back in action in the Brazilian top division on June 13 as they take on Fortaleza away from home - but they will be without the suspended Neymar.