SANTOS, Brazil — Neymar has apologized for a red card that he says cost Santos a victory in the Brazilian league, claiming that “desperation” to score led to the mistake in what could be his final match with the club. Neymar was sent off in the 76th minute of Santos’ 1-0 loss to Botafogo at home on Sunday after using his hand to score a goal.

Neymar has spoken about the impact Diego Maradona had on his career after meeting him as a child but his bid to emulate the late Argentine great's "Hand of God" goal backfired on Sunday when he was sent off in what could be his last game for Santos.

Botafogo scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes after Neymar's red card, leaving Santos 18th in Brazilian Serie A