Brazil legend Ronaldo Defends Neymar’s Over “Diving” Accusations

Brazil football player Ronaldo at the opening ceremony of 2018 FIFA World Cup. Photo by Kommersant Photo Agency/REX/Shutterstock

Brazil’s biggest soccer star Neymar is having a good 2018 World Cup campaign and has managed to lead his nation to the quarter-finals of the tournament. Still, not everyone is fond of Neymar’s performance, with media and opponent’s coaches and players often criticizing the 26-year-old PSG’s star for “diving, rolling and exaggerating fouls.” Following these accusations, one of Brazil’s soccer legends, Ronaldo aka Il Fenomeno, decided to speak out about this hot topic.

According to Ronaldo, criticism Neymar is dealing with is “nonsense” and referees need to protect him more given the fact he is one of the tournament’s most fouled players.

There are many ways to see football and interpret it,” – Ronaldo told reporters on Wednesday. “I am against all these opinions [on Neymar acting]. He is an intelligent player in his movements and on how to defend himself from being tackled. I don’t think referees have been protecting him enough.

When people repeatedly hit me I would feel a sense of unfairness. Criticism is nonsense. TV shows and newspapers just want to fill the space.” – he added.

Ronaldo isn’t the only one who spoke in Neymar’s favor. Manchester United’s manager and Russia Today‘s analyst for 2018 World Cup, also thinks the Brazilian star is getting too much criticism.

People are focusing on Neymar, but if it was only Neymar, I’d be happy, but it’s not only Neymar,” – said Mourinho, pointing out players from other nations who turn to acting in order to try and trick the referees. “Every team has lots of diving, lots of pretending, lots of putting pressure on the referee…the game loses quality…and for me, that was the negative point.

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