Barcelona boss, Tata Martino has given his backing to Neymar after the Brazilian’s role in Scott Brown’s sending off last night.
The Celtic skipper had waged a war with the prancing Brazilian and was eventually sent for an early shower after appearing to kick out at him.
If it was a kick, it was hardly the most aggressive of gestures, yet Neymar seemed to react as if he had been toed in the shin with a steel-capped boot.
It’s the thought that counts, as the saying goes, and Brown was summarily dismissed.
Needless to say, the Parkhead faithful, wrought-iron tough Glaswegians ever last one of them, were hardly impressed by Neymar’s reaction, which would have elicited sneers of derision on the streets of Scotland.
He was booed for the rest of the game but Tata says that Neymar was the victim of the crime.
"Fans react like that," he said.
"The sending off was correct. I did not see the incident but I did see the reaction of my players.
“Neymar had enough personality to keep at it. I have no doubts about what he brings to the team. Players who can unbalance a game like he can are very necessary."
Neymar himself was in no doubt that Brown had intentionally left his boot in.
"Yes, he stepped on me," he said.
"Each person can interpret it as they want. You cannot always avoid the kicks. Everyone should stay within the limits of football and not try and do damage to anyone."
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