Argentine midfielder Javier Macherano jumped to the 23-year-old’s defense, claiming failure to protect him led to his aggressive actions, after Brazilian star Neymar was handed a four-match suspension by CONMEBOL on Friday.
The Barcelona superstar was sent off after the final whistle in the Selecao’s 1-0 loss to Colombia after kicking the ball Pablo Armero, before attempting a head-butt on Jeison Murillo. This led to an altercation with Carlos Bacca, as both were given their marching orders by the referee.
Later on, it was revealed that Neymar verbally attacked the match official, insulting him in the tunnels. The former Santos man will now sit out the remainer of the tournament, regardless of how far Dunga’s men reach.
However, Blaugrana team-mate and Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano has leaped to Neymar’s aid, blaming the referee and South American football for the lack of protection handed to stars like the Brazilian attacker during games, unlike in Europe.
According to Mascherano, “Neymar was kicked 20 times”, a brutality which the match official failed to stomp out, which eventually led to the player’s burst out at the end of the match.
Speaking to ESPN, the Argentine said: “Things like this happen in South American football and even more so in the Copa America, where it's difficult for players like him because you get more protection in Europe.”
"Neymar was kicked 20 times, yet he was shown a yellow card for one handball. These type of talented players aren’t allowed to play. The tackles are getting worse in the tournament. It depends on what the referees and organisations want to do about it.
"We must do more to protect these players. He was kicked 20 times! This affects your head. Don’t forget that Neymar is Neymar, but he’s only a boy of 23 years. Brazil have lost a lot."
