Neymar Accuses Chile of UFC Tactics After Alleged Gary Medel Stamp in Brazil Win
Brazil and Barcelona star Neymar has criticised the tactics employed by Chile in a ferocious friendly encounter between the two South American sides at the Emirates Stadium.
The Selecao eventually won the match 1-0 after a Roberto Firmino goal, but the game was overshadowed by some thunderous challenges from both sets of players, as well as an alleged stamp—per Sam Cunningham of the Mail Online—from Chile defender Gary Medel on the Brazil skipper.
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Neymar didn’t hold back in his assessment of the principles employed by La Roja, per Alec Fenn of Goal.com:
"This wasn't a game of football. It’s meant to be football not UFC. The referee is there to stop these things from happening, but there were four referees and none of them saw anything!
It seems we have to suffer. I am a sufferer!
"
Here’s a look at the incident that prompted his anger, per Turkish Great Goals:
"Medel, Neymar'a acımıyor https://t.co/h2vnumOq4T
— Turkish Great Goals (@turkishgoals) March 29, 2015"
On the contrary, Neymar’s reaction to Medel’s challenge has also been the source of much discussion. The Blaugrana star writhed around in perceived agony before returning to the field seemingly unscathed, and the Chile defender took a pot-shot at Neymar in the aftermath.
“Tackles are normal in a game,” said Medel, per Fenn's piece. “Some players do theatre, others play football...it's a pity that not everyone gets on with the game.”
There’s a certain amount of blame on both sides here. The Internazionale man certainly didn't need to leave his foot in on the Brazil star and, while it would have been a painful blow, the histrionics that followed from Neymar were a little bit over the top.
Chile definitely set out to rough up their more illustrious counterparts, however, as noted by Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Independent:
All in all, it was encouraging to see such passion and endeavour on show in a friendly encounter. Both sides were unashamed and insatiable in their desire to win the match and, with the Copa America looming large this summer, here's hoping we’ll get another chance to see these two proud footballing nations renew their burgeoning rivalry.
