NEYMAR SAYS REFS ARE TARGETING HIM
Star disputes red card legitimacy
SANTIAGO – A little under two weeks ago Neymar netted the goal that wrapped up Barcelona’s Champions League triumph against Juventus, but he was needlessly sent off at the Copa America on Wednesday.
Neymar was shown a red card at the end of their 1-0 Group C defeat to Colombia after he became involved in scuffles between the South American rivals.
Brazil take on Venezuela on Sunday.
The 23-year-old had earlier been booked for a handball and he complained afterwards that he was being victimised by match officials and criticised Chilean referee Enrique Osses, who also dismissed Colombia forward Carlos Bacca after the melee.
“They have to use the rules against me,” Neymar told reporters. “The ball hit me on the hand unintentionally and I got a yellow.
“This is what happens when you put in a weak referee. There was a misunderstanding but there was no need to send everyone off. I didn ’ t even see that he had expelled me.”
The defeat was Brazil ’ s first in 12 matches and the first game coach Dunga had failed to win since taking over following the 2014 World Cup finals.
It left Colombia and Brazil tied at the top of Group C on three points along with Venezuela.
Neymar admitted he had a poor game against Colombia but said he was confident his teammates would get the result they needed against Venezuela and seal a place in the last eight.
“I admit we were not good and that I did not play well,” he said. “I take full responsibility.”
Neymar had a superb second season at Barca, helping the Catalan giants win a treble of Champions League, La Liga and King ’ s Cup titles.