Brazilian starlet Neymar received a red card in a Brazilian league game for persistent arguing over a free-kick decision before crying in the changing room yesterday.

The 19-year-old saw red as Santos finished the game against Atletico Mineiro with nine men, losing 2-1.

Santos coach Muricy Ramalho told reporters that the forward, who was booked for dissent and then immediately dismissed for sarcastically applauding the decision, cried in the changing room afterwards.

"He has to stay calm even if the referee is wrong," Ramalho said.

"He is a top player who has his own style of dribbling and he has to get to used to being fouled.

"Sometimes, he is going to get hunted down. The referee will give two or three free kicks but sometimes they become embarrassed about awarding so many free kicks."

Neymar, who has already scored eight times at senior international level, has been linked with a host of top European clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea.