Copa America: Neymar's two-match suspension reduced to one game by CONMEBOL
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) have reduced Neymar’s two-match suspension to just one game – one hour after the original punishment was announced. After the Copa America Disciplinary Board had already banned Neymar for one match after he was booked twice (two yellow cards) in consecutive matches.
But the Barcelona star was sent off after the final whistle in the 1-0 loss to Colombia when he was involved in an altercation with Carlos Bacca. Both players had received their marching orders from the referee at the time.
The Disciplinary Board then surprised everyone with by backtracking on their decision and reduced the punishment to a single game. This means that Neymar will miss Brazil’s final group stage game against Venezuela.
But he will be eligible to play in the knockout stages if Brazil qualify. At this stage, after Peru’s win over Venezuela, all four teams are on three points each.
The board also announced that they will meet again on Friday to pronounce their final punishment. The Brazilian Football Confederation have one day to appeal.