After scoring the equalizing goal in Al-Hilal’s 1-1 draw with Venezuela in 2026 World Cup qualifying, the crowd threw an object at the attacker, who is now his country’s all-time best goalscorer, passing Pele in the process. Fans were understandably dissatisfied with the end result.

When Neymar got hit with a box of popcorn, his teammates had to take him off the field and down the tunnel while he yelled obscenities at whoever they thought was responsible. The fan in question has stepped out to insist that his acts were not motivated by hatred and spite, but his identity is being kept under wraps out of fear for the safety of his loved ones.

A recording of the fan saying, “At the end of the game I went downstairs, where I was closer to the players,” has been published by the Brazilian news site Leo Dias. I was watching the game and munching on some popcorn when Neymar walked by. I yelled and called his name, but he paid me no mind. I threw the popcorn at him to grab his attention, not because I thought he was playing poorly. It could look like I was being spiteful, but what I really wanted was to catch his attention. I like him, I think he plays great football, and my intention was never to hurt him; rather, I just wanted to get his attention so that he would look up into the crowd.

Neymar, angered by Brazil’s latest deadlock, condemned the popcorn-throwing incident, telling reporters, “I condemn that type of attitude, it should not be done, it is very bad for football, for human beings.” If a father engages in such behavior, it’s likely because he lacks the education to provide his son with the greatest possible upbringing. If he has complaints, he should have prepared more thoroughly and participated in the game.