Neymar has likened Gary Medel's behaviour during Brazil's 1-0 win over Chile to UFC.
Roberto Firmino came off the bench to snatch the winner to make it eight straight victories in a disappointing friendly played as part of both teams' Copa America preparations. However, much of the focus post-match focused on Chile’s treatment of Barcelona superstar Neymar.
Former Cardiff City hard-man Medel was the protagonist of a dour first 45 minutes as he got away with leaving a nasty foot on the Brazilian star - and while the Inter Milan centre-back escaped caution, Neymar was left furious.
"That can't be considered part of the game, no. If we say that is part of the game, then the name [of the sport] is wrong. We can't call it football - we should call it UFC,” bemoaned the 23-year-old.
"But what can we do? The referee didn't see it. He's there but he didn't see it. There are four officials and nobody saw anything.
"I am the one who suffers the pain. I think it is because of the rivalry [between Brazil and Chile], and you end up suffering because of it."
However, Medel was unrepentant and took to Twitter to defend himself.
“Some friction is normal in football,” wrote the Inter midfielder on Twitter accompanied by a picture of the clash. “It’s just that some make theatre out of it and others play on... It’s a shame not everyone can see that.”
-
Latest Stories
-
Nigeria appoint Finidi George as new Super Eagles boss
10 mins -
Elevating Ghana’s creative industry: A blueprint for competing with Nigeria and South Africa
2 hours -
Poor finishing a problem for Asante Kotoko throughout the season – Prosper Ogum
2 hours -
Samini teams up with Francis Osei for ‘Sticks N Locks’ EP
2 hours -
Government should resource record labels – Seven Xavier
2 hours -
I need majority in parliament to successfully complete my term – Akufo-Addo pleads
2 hours -
Next NDC government will not recognise illegal contracts signed by current administration – Sammy Gyamfi
2 hours -
Premier League clubs vote in favour of spending cap plans
3 hours -
Nigeria’s fuel crisis brings businesses to a halt
3 hours -
King Promise impresses fans at sold out show in Singapore
3 hours -
Ejisu by-election to proceed after plaintiff withdraws injunction application
3 hours -
CSOs and NGOs unite to push for priority demands at INC-4
3 hours -
Fuel tanker bursts into flames on Kumasi-Accra highway
3 hours -
Security is tightened ahead of Ejisu by -election
3 hours -
EC’s stolen BVR kits, laptops: One granted bail, three still on remand
3 hours