Neymar Júnior faces a potential six (6) match ban after breaching what is described as the "Vinícius Júnior rule" after being reported to Brazil's Sports Tribunal.

The "Vinícius Júnior rule" is an anti-discrimination protocol adopted in Brazilian football that targets situations where players cover their mouths while speaking during on-field confrontations, making it difficult for referees, opponents, cameras and investigators to determine whether racist, discriminatory or abusive language was used.

This comes after the former PSG forward was sent off for covering his mouth with his hand as he argued with Bahia midfielder Rodrigo Nestor during his team's 1-0 league win on Saturday.

Management of the Bahian club condemned the alleged "verbal abuse" directed at Nestor by Neymar.

In a post-match interview, Nestor indicated the comments from Neymar were "highly disrespectful, both toward me and toward the Bahia jersey.

Neymar, 34, admitted he was wrong to cover his mouth but denied making any comment at Nestor and accused the midfielder of making "one of the dirtiest tricks in football."

Neymar is due to appear at a hearing on Wednesday, where he could face a suspension that would rule him out of Santos’ remaining Brazilian Championship matches.

Santos sit eighth in the standings with six games left, holding a 12-point cushion above the relegation zone after narrowly escaping the drop last season.