'Referees won't put up with Neymar at the World Cup'
Ex-Brazil international Walter Casagrande hit back at Neymar after the Paris Saint-Germain player's father defended him from criticism over his discipline.
After PSG's Champions League defeat at the hands of Real Madrid, ex-Brazil international Walter Casagrande was critical of Neymar's attitude on the pitch, warning that fans were turning the player into a "monster".
"It bothers me that most fans and media are still patting Neymar on the back," he said, speaking to 'SporTV'. "He has already shown several inappropriate behaviours within a team. Against Real, he took a yellow in the first half and could have been sent off in the second."
In response, Neymar's father, Neymar Santos Sr., fired back at Casagrande on Instagram: "In a 'war' there are always the ones who feed on victories and those who, like vultures, feed on carrion of the defeated. They do nothing, make nothing but living on the shine or, more often, on their 'preys' most difficult moments".
Casagrande has now continued the beef, responding to Neymar's dad's comments. Speaking again to 'SporTV', Casagrande dialled back his tone, but maintained his criticisms of the starlet. "I didn't say anything about how he behaves off the field, I don't care what he does. I didn't say he wasn't serious or he doesn't train".
"I didn't criticise his professionalism or his fitness. What he does on the pitch is very plain to see. When he is fouled he laughs sarcastically, and when he commits one he doesn't accept it. He got a yellow card against Real Madrid in the 15th minute, which wasn't the case for any other forward", he commented.
He added: "Somebody needs to talk to him about it. On the pitch he gets very frustrated when he gets fouled or commits a foul, and in the World Cup no referee will put up with his sarcastic laughing."
It seems that this battle could rumble on for some time...