Brazil's Neymar banned for rest of 2015 Copa America

 

Neymar Out of 2015 Copa America,Gets 4-Mastch Ban


Brazilian star Neymar was banned for the rest of the 2015 Copa America on Friday June 19,2015, stripping the tournament of one of its biggest stars.

A disciplinary panel of the South American confederation ruled that he must sit out four games for his conduct in a match against Colombia, when he was sent off after the final whistle.

The Barcelona forward was also fined $10,000. Brazil will appeal the ruling.

Neymar picked up a red card after apparently kicking the ball toward Colombia's Pablo Armero after the referee had blown the whistle in Colombia's 1-0 victory on Wednesday June 17,2015.

 He also appeared to head-butt another player who came to confront him, and Brazilian media said he confronted the referee before going into the change-rooms.

Colombia's Carlos Bacca shoved Neymar from behind during the altercation and also was sent off after the match. He was banned for two matches on Friday June 19,2015

Neymar had already been shown a yellow card during the game, which would've been enough to keep him from playing in the key group match against Venezuela on Sunday. He had received his first yellow card of the tournament in Brazil's opening 2-1 win over Peru. Players are automatically suspended with two yellow cards.

Brazil, who have been heavily dependent on Neymar, could still be eliminated depending on their result against Venezuela on Sunday. If they advance to the knockout round, they could play three more games. If Brazil doesn't make it to the final, Neymar's suspension will be extended into the next Copa America.

Neymar's substitute in Brazil's squad has not been announced yet, but veteran striker Robinho is expected to take his spot in the attack