Neymar involved in a mass melee against Colombia
Neymar led Brazil to a confident victory over Colombia in the early hours of Sunday morning. The match, a sort of rematch from the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals, was rather heated from the start.
Neymar involved in a mass melee against Colombia
Both teams had scored many fouls. The benches cleared only before halftime after a vicious foul committed by Neymar. He had lashed out after being harassed by rivals nearly every time he touched the ball.
His goal and leadership were very crucial in the host nation’s qualification for the semi-finals. However, it was not an exactly placid win. The Barça star was embroiled in a melee with the Colombian players, only before the interval.
In recent years, ties between the South American rivals have become flamboyant duels. The flashpoint took place after a foul committed by Neymar on Andres Felipe Roa, who he shoved in the face. The action was immediately punished with a yellow card. But the Colombian felt this was insufficient, and intense chaos ensued.
Even the goalkeeper and substitutes had become involved. They were running to the scene to confront the Brazilian captain. Moreover, his teammates, much aware of the Colombians’ dislike of their leader, protected him immediately. Luan grabbed him by his jersey and took him out of the firing line, and Neymar obeyed, waiting for the calmer heads to prevail.
After the altercation was over, Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir called both captains for a decisive chat, and also talked to both coaches.
“Neymar is experienced and he did well controlling the game,” Luan said. “But the whole team deserves credit for being able to keep it together and get the victory. Now we have to focus on the next two games to be able to reach our dream.”
