Brazil boss Tite hits out at World Cup referees for failing to protect Neymar
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‘This must be stopped’: Brazil boss Tite lashes out at World Cup referees for failing to protect Neymar – claiming he has been specifically targeted by the opposition – after an ankle injury takes him out of the group stage
Brazil manager Tite believes there is a ‘focus on specific players’ when it comes to the opponents looking to commit an offense.
This comes after Brazilian star player Neymar has been ruled out of his side’s remaining two group stage matches after sustaining an ankle injury against Serbia.
Tite is clearly not happy with the opponents’ preparations to face Brazil and has stated that this kind of play ‘should be stopped’.
Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil’s remaining group stage matches with an ankle injury
After Brazil’s 2–0 win over Serbia, Tite said: “If you want to celebrate football, you have to watch the fouls.
They target specific players. This is the effect. This must be stopped.’
Neymar was unable to perform at his staggering best in his side’s World Cup opener as he was held back before he could really get started.
The PSG attacker was fouled no less than nine times while on the pitch as several Serbs tried to thwart Neymar’s threat.
Despite the 30-year-old’s injury, Brazil managed to beat Serbia in a 2-0 win – thanks to a brace from Tottenham striker Richarlison.
‘This has to stop’: Brazilian manager Tite calls on referees to provide more protection
Brazil fans will hope that their side can continue the good form of the opening game against their next opponent Switzerland.
Switzerland also enter the game with one win from one game and will try to cause a clash against a Brazilian side without their talisman.
As a result of Neymar’s absence, additional attacking responsibility now falls on the rest of Brazil’s star-studded attack line, as they try to shoulder the burden without their main man.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro touched on the matter, saying that – despite their attacking talent – Neymar will be difficult to replace.
Casemiro said: “We have other players who are playing well: Vinicius, Raphinha, Richarlison, Jesus, Rodrygo, Martinelli… the range of options is wide, which is good for us, but we have to be realistic and accept that Neymar is the best player in our team.’
Additional responsibility will fall to the rest of Brazil now that Neymar has been excluded from the group stage