Ronaldo backs ‘diver’ Neymar

– Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo (above) came out in support of Neymar this week as criticism mounted against the pundits who have condemned his diving but ignored other players.

Neymar has been slated, especially in Britain, for diving, rolling and exaggerating fouls.

Mexican coach Juan Carlos Osorio made a reference to “too much acting” and former internationals Alan Shearer, Pat Nevin, Peter Schmeichel and Eric Cantona were among those who criticised Neymar’s theatrics.

But Ronaldo said Neymar needed more protecting.

“There are many ways to see football and interpret it,” Ronaldo told reporters. “I am against all these opinions (on Neymar acting). He is an intelligent player in his movements. I don’t think referees have been protecting him enough.

“When people repeatedly hit me I would feel a sense of unfairness. Criticism is nonsense. TV shows and newspapers just want to fill the space.”

Ronaldo’s comments came as fans and pundits, many of them Brazilians, hit out at what they saw as play-acting by English players in their shootout win over Colombia.

Brazilians who watched Jordan Henderson go down clutching his forehead after being hit under the chin and Harry Maguire diving in the box want the same rigid criteria to be used as when judging Neymar.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho also singled out Maguire.

“People are focusing on Neymar, but if it was only Neymar, I’d be happy, but it’s not only Neymar,” Mourinho said after England’s win. – Reuters

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