Neymar is not making many friends in Russia.
Brazil’s talisman has repeatedly asked for opposition defenders to get booked, exchanged harsh words with match officials and, apparently, he’s even had a go at one of his teammates.
Neymar was visibly frustrated throughout his side’s dramatic victory over Costa Rica on Friday afternoon as he was hacked down on several occasions and had a penalty taken away by VAR late on in the game.
We’re more than accustomed to seeing the Brazilian forward criticise opponents and referees but Neymar’s national and club teammate, Thiago Silva, has revealed that even he had to put up with some abuse from the temperamental attacker.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Silva, who was Brazil’s captain for the game, has expressed some sadness about the way he was treated by Neymar when he returned the ball to Costa Rica following a break in play in the 83rd minute.
“He is like a little brother to me and I try to look out for him, but today I feel sad because he insulted me when I returned a ball to Costa Rica,” Silva told the Brazilian press, as translated by MARCA.
“He had a point as they had given him a lot, but this one ball wasn’t going to earn us the victory.
“I was saddened by his attitude and I told him that afterwards.”
Neymar scored his first goal of the tournament by tapping in a squared pass from Douglas Costa with one of the final kicks of the game, meaning the 26-year-old left the pitch in a much better mood than he was on it.
The relief of getting on the scoresheet prompted an emotional outpouring from Neymar after the full-time whistle sounded at the Saint Petersburg Stadium and Silva can understand why his side’s most important player was brought to tears.
“It’s normal that Neymar needs to let off steam,” Silva added.
“He carried a heavy weight.
“He’ll now be a lot more relaxed for the third game.
