Dani Alves blames referee for Neymar's sending off

Dani Alves believe Neymar’s booking was the referee’s fault

Barcelona right-back Dani Alves is furious with the referee for not protecting Neymar in a surprising 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their Copa America Group C encounter. Neymar was a marked man throughout and was the subject of some rough treatment as Jose Pekerman’s side put in an effective shift to reduce his impact on the match.

Chilean referee, Enrique Osses, had dismissed Neymar after the match for his headbutt on Colombian centre-back Jeison Murillo, who scored the winner in the 36th minute from a Juan Cuadrado set-piece.

The Barcelona forward was already on the book for a handball in the first half and will now miss the Selecao’s next match against Venezuela. Carlos Bacca was also red-carded in the post-match scuffle for shoving Neymar in reaction to his headbutt.

"I don't know why Neymar was nervous. The blame is on the referees. They know he has personality. The yellow card he received was wrong. They have to stop thinking that they are the protagonists. They are there to referee the game,” Alves told TV Globo.

Brazil wee firm favourites for the Copa America and were expected to win Group C comfortably. However, they have had to grind out a 2-1 result against Peru and then succumbed to a tame defeat against Colombia.

Meanwhile, this was Colombia’s first victory against Brazil in 24 years. The 4th-ranked nation put in a much-improved performance, after a shock defeat to Venezuela in their Group C opener, and were deserving winners against the 5-time World Cup Winners. It was also a sweet revenge for them after bowing out of the World Cup quarter-finals against the same opponents last year.

Dani Alves was, however, optimistic of his side’s chances in Copa America. The former Sevilla star, who was a last-minute replacement for injured compatriot Danilo, feels Brazil are used to such situations.

"This happens in every game against Brazil," he said. "You have to be strong and calm to overcome difficult moments. Now they are all against Brazil. We need to be calm. Despite their young age, the group is experienced.”

Group C is now wide open with Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela tied on 3 points each, with Venezuela topping the group on goal difference. Peru and Venezuela have a game in hand and will play their second group match on Thursday.