Neymar's sanction was harsher than anyone could have thought, after CONMEBOL had decided to think over their decision. Yesterday, the South American office determined to ban Neymar for one game, revealing that an investigation would keep going in order to establish what the Brazilian's punishment should be for his behaviour after the final whistle. Today, disciplinary officers determined a four match ban on the Barcelona wingman, which means he will miss the entire competition.
According to the referee, Neymar insulted him while both were in the tunnels leading to the dressing rooms. The exact words the Brazilian said where: "You want to become famous on my account, you motherf****r". With that in mind, all that Neymar did on the pitch when the final whistle was blown, such as kicking the ball to Armero's head, trying to head-butt Jason Murillo and tearing apart Carlos Bacca's shirt, were not taken under consideration to decide the punishment.
Neymar's behaviour has been the subject of controversy ever since he won the Champions League with Barcelona, when former captain Xavi told the press the Brazilian should change some of his manners to become a true legend. Furthermore, legendary striker Ronaldo criticized Neymar for his display against Colombia, stating that he "can't behave like that when he's wearing Brazil's jersey. He has to set an example."
Fans and experts had their say about Neymar's ban from the tournament. Find out how they feel about it here.
Some think Neymar did this on purpose...
Neymar hasn't had a decent summer vaccation and rest for a while now: - 2012 Olympic games - 2013 Confederations Cup - 2014 World Cup
— adil (@Barca19stats) June 19, 2015
"Four match ban for Neymar? You burglars!"
CUATRO FECHAS A NEYMAR???? SON UNOS DELINCUENTES
— LaGrondona (@LaGrondonaTwitt) June 19, 2015
"Neymar is only 23". More than old enough to know offending the ref after a red isnt smart. Spare me.
— Lucas Resende (@lucasammr) June 19, 2015
We all know what Brazil without Neymar are. Last time Brazil played without Neymar they lost 7:1 (Bra-Ger)
— Neymar JR (@11NeymarTeam) June 19, 2015
I'm not a Brazil fan, far from that. I don't like their team. But I feel bad about it because I wanted to see Messi vs. Neymar at this Copa.
— Jojo Culé (@jperkovic93) June 19, 2015
Sooner or later, Brazil was going to be forced to play a decisive game without Neymar. We can afford to experiment now, and learn for 2018.
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) June 19, 2015
Image: "What's wrong Brazil, u nervous?"
Brasil without Neymar for the next four games which basically means out of #chile2015 Aguante #ARG no mas pic.twitter.com/RmDXXu4BEF
— Argentina (@ArgProbz) June 19, 2015
Brazil's Captain, Neymar, is out for rest of the cup. Meanwhile Argentineans be like.. @ArgProbz #VamosArgentina #Arg pic.twitter.com/QvGxRaQ9hf
— Katherina {KP} (@kat_cini) June 19, 2015