The Selecao skipper was suspended for sparking a mass brawl after
losing to Colombia before then allegedly lashing out at the referee
Brazil's football association (CBF) general secretary Walter Feldman
has revealed how national team coach Dunga supported Neymar 's
four-match ban.
The Selecao skipper was hit with the suspension following his sending
off after the full-time whistle in his country's Copa America group stage
clash with Colombia, before then clashing with match referee Enrique
Osses in the tunnel.
The CBF ultimately opted against challenging the sanction, which
ended Neymar's tournament, and that decision was met with fury by
former Brazil striker Romario , who accused the governing body of not
only failing the Barcelona attacker but also the nation.
However, Feldman has defended the decision, claiming the choice was
made by Dunga and his fellow Selecao coaches for Neymar's benefit.
"These are difficult times when we must make a decision and only time
will show whether it was successful or not," the CBF official told
Esporte Espectacular .
"The coaching staff did not hesitate and asked us not challenge the
sanction because it was best for Neymar."
Brazil's Copa America elimination at the hands of Paraguay in the
quarter-finals means that Neymar will remain sidelined for a further two
games, ruling him out of the start of the country's bid to qualify for the
2018 World Cup.