Bolivian striker Duk justifies elbowing Neymar

Neymar is in pain after receiving an elbow from Duk

Bolivia’s Yasmani Georges Duk was in the news on Thursday for elbowing Brazil's former captain Neymar Jr. right on the face. The blow on Neymar’s face led to heavy bleeding near his right eyebrow. The injury looked quite dangerous as he missed Neymar’s eyes only by a small margin – which could have proven to be fatal for Barcelona and Brazil’s star man. 

Section of the media from around the world accused Duk of being over-aggressive during the game, especially on that occasion which led to the injury. However, the Bolivian has justified his actions as very much a part of the game and even launched a fierce verbal attack at the Olympic Gold medalist. 

“Neymar was being a bit too cocky – he was like that with all of us throughout the game, but all I was trying to do was cut off a move, which is what happens in football. Everyone knows the sport has its physical side – I had my nose broken and no one says a word”, explained Duk.

He also had some advice for Barcelona’s left forward. “To become the best player in the world, he’s got to stop this ‘Charlie Big Bollocks’ behaviour and start showing some respect for his opponents”.

Neymar received treatment on the touchline moments after picking up the injury. However, his coach was not ready to risk his talisman as he substituted Neymar three minutes after he walked back on the pitch after the treatment. The South American giants will now face Venezuela in their next 2018 World Cup Qualifier on Wednesday. 

This is not the first occasion where Neymar’s opponents have had a go at the Forward for showboating and called him out for being disrespectful. When Barcelona won the Copa Del Rey in the 2014-15 season, Neymar decided to attempt a rainbow flick over his opponents in the dying moments of the game. This led to a massive tussle between the forward and the Athletic Bilbao players. Fans joined in against Neymar. 

After the game, Barcelona legend Xavi also added that Neymar’s flick was disrespectful. However, the Brazillian has a track record of showboating, especially when his team is winning.

While that could get on the nerves of his opponents, the Brazillian is merely expressing himself on the field the way he is. After all, what is the point of being able to execute skills unless they are going to be useful in a game of football?