Neymar Ignored Brazil Staff Ahead of Copa America Outburst, Reveals Gilmar

Neymar defied the advice of Brazil's staff by opting to approach the referee after his sending off during the Copa America defeat to Colombia.

Gilmar Rinaldi, the national team's technical coordinator, warned the Barcelona forward to leave the referee alone after he was red carded for kicking the ball at an opponent and attempting to headbutt Los Cafeteros goalscorer Jeison Murillo.

However, Neymar's ban was extended to four games due to his decision to confront the match official, reported L'Equipe (h/t Tony Mahoney of Goal.com). Despite Neymar's decision to disobey, Gilmar isn't angry with the 23-year-old, per Mahoney:

"

I told him to be careful because he is responsible for his own actions. 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.

"

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Neymar started the tournament excellently, scoring the opener and setting up Douglas Costa during Brazil's 2-1 group-stage victory over Peru. He failed to impact the physical game against Colombia and let his frustration boil over as the final whistle blew. The Selecao beat Venezuela to progress into the knockout stages without Neymar, but they were eliminated on penalties by Paraguay in the quarter-finals.

This is the second summer in a row Neymar's hopes of international success have been ended during a tie with Colombia. A knee from defender Juan Zuniga saw Neymar break a vertebrae in his back at the quarter-final stage of the 2014 World Cup. Brazil were humiliated 7-1 by eventual winners Germany in the next round.

Neymar has a tendency to become irritated if things go against him. He picked up six yellow cards in 33 La Liga appearances last season, per WhoScored.com. He has also become synonymous with making frustrated gestures on the pitch. While still young, the skilful goalscorer is already working under the responsibility of a leader for both club and country.

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However, the spotlight intensifies on Neymar when he plays for the Brazil. ESPN FC writer Tim Vickery called it a "sign of progress" that the Samba Boys beat Venezuela without him, although Brazil's inability to move beyond Paraguay—ranked 85th in the world—suggested the player is a bigger loss than coach Dunga would like to admit.

Forbes contributor Bobby McMahon believes Neymar's annoyance rubbed off on his colleagues during the match with Colombia, which is a true sign of his importance: "Neymar's level of frustration showed no sign of dissipating as the game progressed and as the match entered the last few minutes Neymar's attitude appeared to spread to others with several bumps, nudges and sly kicks happening off the ball," he wrote.

Gilmar's decision to speak about the player's sending off indicates he isn't willing to completely shield Neymar in public. That's fair enough, but he also shows a certain level of tact when saying Neymar went against his instructions. It's likely Neymar will learn how to control is emotions with experience.

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This is pivotal if he's going to develop into a quiet and unassuming leader like Lionel Messi, who does most of his talking with the ball at his feet.