Topics: FIFA World Cup, World Cup 2014, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, Juan Zuniga, Neymar, Ronaldo,
After ending Neymar's World Cup campaign, some in Brazil threaten to end Juan Zuniga's life

Juan Camilo Zuniga found himself the target of threatening tweets.

The Colombian defender became embroiled in controversy after he injured Brazilian ace Neymar, ruling the 22-year-old out of the remainder of the 2014 World Cup, and walked away without even a booking.

Zuniga kneed the Selecao ace in the back, towards the end of the heated quarter-finals clash between the two South American nations, resulting in a broken vertebrae, which will sideline the Barcelona star for up to four weeks.

Neymar will be sidelined for 3-4 weeks 

For the host nation, who were hoping to win their sixth World Cup trophy on home soil, something they have never achieved, this deeply hinders their chances as Neymar was the standout performer of the rather disappointing Brazil attack.

TOO CUTE: A little girl cries upon finding out about Neymar's injury:

Zuniga's foul on Neymar

FIFA World Cup, World Cup 2014, Brazil, Colombia, Neymar, Juan Zuniga

This led to many fans of the five-time World Cup champions to direct hatred towards the 28-year-old Napoli right-back, but what followed was far more despicable.

"Zuniga" trended on Twitter as many targeted racial abuse and even death threats at Los Cafeteros player, with some labelling him a "monkey" and saying he should not be allowed to leave Brazil alive.

The fans were not the only ones to attack the defender as Brazil legend Ronaldo laid into the Colombian, saying: “The injury was a very violent one. There was an intention to cause some harm. I don’t think it was a normal football play. I do believe it was aggressive.”

FIFA World Cup, World Cup 2014, Brazil, Colombia, Neymar

Brazil legend Ronaldo blasted the Colombian defender after his action, calling them intentional

FIFA World Cup, World Cup 2002, Brazil, Germany, Ronaldo, Oliver Kahn

“I didn’t like the very high knee and that leads me to believe it was a foul with the intention to cause harm. I thought it was a highly violent and unlawful move by the Colombia player. We are fearful and sad for the loss of our player.”

After initially defending his actions, arguing it was unintentional, Zuniga now apoligizes for his action with this Instagram post, which read:

"I deeply regret the Neymar injury suffered during the game between Brazil and Colombia."

"Although I feel that this situation is normal in game action, which had no ill intent, malice or negligence on my part, I want to send a special message to Neymar."

"I admire, respect and consider you one of the best players in the world. I hope you make a quick recovery so that we can continue playing football, a sport full of virtues and qualities that certainly I’ve always put into practice in my 12 years as a professional player."

Zuniga's message on Instagram 

Neymar was later able to visit his team's training base, meeting up with his team-mates as he received warm welcomes, embraces and support after his injury.

WATCH THE MOMENT NEYMAR RETURNED TO THE BRAZIL TRAINING BASE