UDON THANI, THAILAND – A Brazilian footballer for Udon United admitted to assault and refusing to pay a bar bill after a late-night dispute in the city.
Bar dispute over 5,060 baht bill turned violent
On Monday morning, 15 December 2025, an argument in a bar on Samphanthamit Soi escalated into violence. Brazilian striker Osvaldo “Neto” Dos Santos Neto (42) had consumed five to six large bottles of beer and ordered drinks for the staff. When presented with a bill of 5,060 baht (about 125 euros), he refused to pay, calling the amount too expensive, and a transfer attempt via a banking app failed.
Confrontation with bar staff and former New York officer
The dispute then turned physical, with Neto clashing first with the bar owner and staff. He subsequently attacked another foreign guest. Only later did he learn that the man was a former police officer from New York.
“I did not know that he is a former police officer.”
said Neto, who admitted the assault.
Surrender, wai and apology at police station
On Tuesday, 16 December, Neto turned himself in to authorities, arriving at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station accompanied by a teammate acting as interpreter. As the injured parties left the station, the player stood up, bowed with a respectful wai and apologised. The victims, however, walked past him without a word.
Full confession and expression of remorse
Before investigators, Neto expressed remorse for his actions.
“I accept everything and apologise with all my heart… I am sorry to all Thais.”
said the striker during questioning.
He admitted failing to pay the bill and engaging in physical assault. Teammate Phuchapong confirmed that Neto was deeply worried and wanted to resolve the matter quickly.
Udon United faces image damage
Second-division club Udon United, which had only introduced the Brazilian signing a few days earlier, said it had been informed of the incident but had not yet spoken to him directly. An internal meeting on possible disciplinary measures was still pending. The case already represented a significant image problem for the club and the Thai League.
No immediate settlement as police probe continues
The injured parties rejected an immediate out-of-court settlement, and mediation was scheduled for a later date. Police opened an investigation on suspicion of bodily harm and fraud. For the 42-year-old Brazilian, who had been training in Thailand for only two weeks, his football career in Asia could already be at risk.