SANTIAGO, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Former Colombia international forward Faustino Asprillo has criticized Neymar's perceived theatrics following Los Cafeteros' 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Copa America.
Neymar was sent off after the final whistle on Wednesday after he drilled the ball at Pablo Armero and then seemed to headbutt goalscorer Jeison Murillo, prompting a fracas involving players from both teams.
The Barcelona No. 11 struggled to make an impact at the Estadio Monumental and often fell to ground following tackles from his Colombian markers. Most of his appeals for free-kicks were ignored by referee Enrique Osses.
The 23-year-old was fortunate not be sent off just before halftime when he manhandled Osses after being shown a yellow card for a deliberate handball.
"Neymar is a footballing lie," Asprillo wrote on Twitter. "Neymar, just go to Hollywood already!"
Neymar will miss Brazil's final group match against Venezuela on Sunday and could have his suspension extended by the Copa America disciplinary panel.
After the match he claimed referees applied double standards against him.
"The rules are always used against me," Neymar told Brazil's Sportv. "They clean the disappearing foam and do not receive yellow but I do.
"The ball was in my hand but it was not intentional. I was falling and received yellow.
"Things happen. Nothing made me crazy. I just get [angry] with referees who don't make the right decision."
- 英语文摘:Chelsea, Leicester draw, Everton-Man City postponed due to COVID-19
- 英语文摘:CBA roundup: Shanghai snaps Guangdong's 9-game winning streak, Fujian smashes Nanjing
- 英语文摘:Messi grateful for Ballon d'Or Dream Team spot
- 英语文摘:New York nurse receives COVID-19 vaccine, kicking off state inoculation
- 英语文摘:Flick's lucky hand: Paris pupil Coman securing Bayern's glory