Neymar's mistakes have hurt Brazil, says teammate Dani Alves
Santiago, June 22 (IANS) Senior Brazil defender Dani Alves on Monday revealed that he lectured Neymar over his dismissal in last Wednesday's 0-1 loss to Colombia in Copa America, saying that all of his antics and anger ultimately hurt their country.
Neymar, 23, was sent off after the final whistle when he attempted to headbutt Colombian defender Jeison Murillo. The Barcelona striker then insulted the referee Enrique Osses in the tunnel.
Neymar was subsequently hit with a four-game suspension, thus depriving Brazil of their captain for the remainder of their Copa America campaign.
"I told him to be quiet and learn from all this so he doesn't repeat these mistakes, which have ultimately hurt Brazil," Alves was quoted as saying by goal.com.
"The punishment was too severe. If it had been another player then there would not have been such an impact. It's bad for us as we've lost our difference-maker. He's a player who gets kicked around, but we don't give (those things) importance. Football is far more beautiful than that, it's about the great moves and goals," added Alves, who is also Neymar’s Barcelona teammate.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Monday also confirmed that Neymar would have to leave Chile following its decision not to appeal for a reduction to the penalty imposed on the forward.