Neymar da Silva Santos was reportedly arrested after seen arguing with environmental official Shayenne Barreto while at his son’s mansion in Brazil
Neymar Sr was arrested while working on his son’s villa in his homeland following an “environmental crime complaint”.
Brazilian portal UOL reported that he was arrested after arguing with Shayenne Barret, the minister of the environment for the Mangaratiba region.
Neymar Sr has not been detained but police are continuing to investigate the matter, which they say revolves around major works taking place at the footballer’s home which would “encourage deforestation, rock breaking and river diversion”.
The drama comes just hours after Neymar Jr publicly apologized to his pregnant girlfriend Brune Biancardi. The PSG and Brazil forward posted a lengthy statement on Instagram that garnered seven million likes in a matter of hours as he discussed events in his private life.
The 31-year-old, who also has an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship, called Bruna “the woman of his dreams” following what he himself calls “mistakes” weeks after they announced her pregnancy.
In a statement sent to his 210 million Instagram followers, Neymar said: “I’m doing this for both of you and your family. Excuse the unfair. It wasn’t needed. but i need you in OUR life.
“I’ve seen how much you’ve been exposed, how much you’ve suffered through it all, and how much you want to be by my side. And me right by your side.”
“I risk saying that I fail every day, on and off the field. I only deal with my mistakes in my personal life at home, in the intimacy of family and friends…
“It all hit one of the most special people in my life. The woman I dreamed of walking beside me, the mother of my child. It hit his family.”
“I can’t imagine myself without you. I don’t know if we’ll work out, but you definitely want to try TODAY.”
“Our purpose will prevail, our love for our baby will prevail, our love for each other will make us stronger. I love you.”
Another issue facing Neymar this summer is his future on the pitch, which looks uncertain after an injury-hit season with PSG.
Neymar has been linked with Manchester United but recent reports have suggested he could stay at PSG, who are reportedly close to appointing Luis Enrique, his former manager at Barcelona.