Neymar disobeyed coaching staff with referee outburst – Gilmar

The Selecao captain was warned not to confront the match official after his dismissal against Colombia, the technical coordinator has admitted

Brazil’s technical coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi says Neymar disobeyed instructions from the coaching staff when he confronted the referee after seeing red against Colombia at the Copa America.
The Barcelona star was sent off at the end of Brazil’s Group C defeat after kicking a ball at an opponent before attempting to headbutt another, receiving a four-match ban which ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.
However, the severity of the punishment was due in part to Neymar’s decision to angrily confront referee Enrique Osses in the tunnel, in direct defiance of advice from his seniors.
“I told him to be careful because he is responsible for his own actions,” former World Cup winner Gilmar told L’Equipe.
“Neymar told me it was fair for him to talk to the referee, but I told him that it wasn’t the right time.
“But this is a learning process. I participated in his nomination as captain and I have no regrets. I have to prepare a great captain.”
Brazil played just twice more in the tournament, crashing out on penalties to Paraguay in the quarter-finals, meaning Neymar’s suspension rolls into the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. As a result, the 23-year-old will miss his country’s opening two fixtures against Colombia and Ecuador.
Credit: m.goal