Oscar Ruggeri has never been one to bite his tongue, as Neymar has now learned this week.
Speaking ahead of Brazil's semi-final meeting with Peru on Monday night - with the five-time world champions having already beaten them 4-0 in the group stage - Ruggeri aimed some harsh words at Neymar.
"He doesn't follow any codes on the pitch," Ruggeri said of Neymar on ESPN. "He was doing tricks at 4-0 against Peru, I'd have hit him with a good kicking.
"When you see an opponent is destroyed and the game is dead, you can't do that. It's true that he's different, but he's not like Leo [Messi]."
Not everyone on the panel agreed with Ruggeri's opinion though, with it being pointed out to him that the idea of lashing out mightn't be the best approach, and that Neymar regularly plays in a more extravagant way that needn't be taken as mocking the opponent.
ishti
1068
Statements like these give opposition players motivation to foul Neymar and get him injured. Neymar has his style of play, if you feel he is humiliating you with his skills, reply in kind with your own performance. Kicking him wouldn't give your pride back.
BLACOLOGY342
689
It’s a foul when you kick someone but showboating isn’t an offense
nazario09
582
neymar teach them how it is done
SINGAM23
549
Meanwhile, Neymar says, he can't hear those Haters !!
Blyton
470
Degrading himself pointing over who is much more better than him height of jealousy
Athuljr
330
If you cannot showboat like others , then kick those who do that [Crylaugh][Crylaugh] . . jealousy at its peak
Tihekmstu
229
Well it’s his fault people just can’t take the ball away from him if he humiliates you is because you let your guard down instead of trying to injure him just perform better than he does and win the game
Funbeouy
220
Showboating is part of what makes football the beautiful game. Otherwise it will be a game of passing and shooting for 90min, how boring can it be? Like the MLS, you wouldn't watch that, would you?
Demadlopr
41
Someone’s ass is burning 🔥 😂😂