Brazil's Neymar labels yellow card vs. El Salvador a 'lack of respect'

Posted Thursday, September 13, 2018 by ESPN

Neymar has labelled his booking for simulation during Brazil's 5-0 victory over El Salvador a "lack of respect."

The Paris Saint-Germain forward picked up a yellow card in the first-half at the FedExField in Washington following an altercation in the penalty box. Neymar was booked for going to ground following the incident and was critical of the decision after the match.

"I do not know what to do to live with this," the 26-year-old told Globo Esporte. "I should not have to stand for a tackle like this.

"I feel it needs to end, but it's not up to me -- so much so that I did not say anything, I just carried on with my football. It is a lack of respect. Not just with me but with my teammates as well."

Neymar was critical of referee Jair Marrufo and explained that, even if the official did not think it was a spot-kick, the decision to give him a booking was excessive.

"Playing with a yellow is difficult," Neymar added. The guy [Marrufo] comes here to officiate a game for Brazil, which is a huge team, and he does this. I don't feel that's right.

"If he doesn't want to give the penalty, no problem, but the card was unnecessary."

Neymar opened the scoring with a penalty after four minutes before a Richarlison double as well as goals from Philippe Coutinho and Marquinhos completed the scoring.