Santiago Brazil superstar Neymar was dramatically thrown out of the Copa America on Friday as Chile shrugged off the drunken-driving controversy surrounding Arturo Vidal to power into the quarter-finals. Neymar's participation in the South American footballing showpiece came to a
Santiago
Brazil superstar Neymar was dramatically thrown out of the Copa America on Friday as Chile shrugged off the drunken-driving controversy surrounding Arturo Vidal to power into the quarter-finals.
Neymar's participation in the South American footballing showpiece came to an abrupt end after a disciplinary hearing slapped him with a four-match ban for headbutting a Colombian opponent.
The punishment deprives the tournament of one of its most recognizable stars and leaves Brazil in turmoil as they contemplate the remainder of the tournament without their captain and best player.
Neymar's fate had been in the balance after he was given a red card for headbutting an opponent during a post-match brawl that erupted after Brazil's 1-0 upset loss to Colombia in Group C on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old superstar was already ruled out of Brazil's final group game against Venezuela on Sunday after collecting a second yellow card of the tournament against the Colombians.
Neymar, who was also fined $10,000, can appeal the punishment. But unless the ban is reduced it means he has played his last game of the Copa, with Brazil having at most four games left.
Colombian player Carlos Bacca, who shoved Neymar following his butt on goal scorer Jeison Murillo, was suspended for two games.
