The Brazil captain felt he was harshly booked after missing out on a penalty during his side's rout of El Salvador in Washington
Neymar criticised referee Jair Marrufo after receiving what he felt was an "unnecessary" booking for simulation during his side's 5-0 win over El Salvador.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward saw yellow just before half-time at FedExField in Washington after failing to convince the official he had been fouled inside the penalty area.
While he did not complain at the time, the Brazil captain aired his views after the friendly fixture, declaring American Marrufo had made an incorrect call in showing a card, rather than his decision not to give a foul.
It is not the first time Neymar's on-field antics have caused controversy; the 26-year-old was condemned by some for his theatrical behaviour at times during the World Cup earlier this year.
"I do not know what I have to do to live with it [this reputation], there's no way I'm going to stand for a situation like this. I think it has to end," he said, according to Globo Esporte .
"But it's not up to me, so much that I did not say anything, I went on with my football.
"It's a lack of respect, not just with me, but with my team-mates as well.
"Playing with a yellow card is tricky. The guy comes here to officiate a Brazilian national team match, which is a very big selection, and he does that ... I don't think it is correct.
"If he does not want to give the penalty, it's not a problem, but the card is unnecessary."
Neymar did convert a fourth-minute penalty to put Brazil in front against El Salvador following a foul on debutant Richarlison, who went on to score twice in the rout.
The one-sided result followed on from a 2-0 triumph over the United States as Brazil look to move on following their disappointing campaign in Russia, where they were knocked out by Belgium in the last eight.
"I'm the type of guy that every time I get the ball, I just look forward," Neymar told the media. "I just look for something, I try to create something, a chance on goal.
"That's what I want to pass on to the other players as well. Our team has to play with joy, yes, Tite has said that and I also want to enjoy it, because playing here is difficult.
"To play for the Brazil national team is a dream of every one of us, so we have to show our affection and love for this."
prakashcr7
101
Exactly, Neymar lost lots of Fans and he earned lots of haters after his world cup 2018 behaviour. Hope we shouldn't see such activities again. His acting against Mexico and Switzerland was rediculars.
Fesabdltyz
93
I am a fan of Ney and Brazil. During the 2018 World Cup, Neymar did dive, but he got kicked often times and referees disregarded numerous fault against him. The fait against him yesterday during the game against Salvador was obvious. If the penalty was granted, there would have been any complaint in the football world. With that said, the referee should not have booked Neymar EITHER as the fault against him was REAL. Whether you like Neymar or not, you can still be objective for the sake of of the game. In short, stop accusing Ney of diving even when you can obviously see they made a fault against him and that in adsorption he was booked for no obvious reason. I am certain, the referee realized that he was wrong after reviewing the action. Again let’s be objective in our analysis of games and actions in the game we all take to oui hearts.
Frasch
76
Just like below
Mcjoan
61
they will criticize you but your class is pure
snow9876
54
they just want you to learn to stand
BabaNla_14
44
u too stop pursuing Oscar award anymore
Timbebou
37
Because he use to dive so referee will blow a fowl for Ny unless he is very close an a very clear one . The many time deceit to them make them ( referee ) believe later . Ny should play and win back the referee heart as for now everyone Lebel him as cheat.