Javier Mascherano: 'Neymar needs more protection'

Javier Mascherano has claimed that Neymar needs to be shown more protection from the number of fouls that he receives from his opponents.

The Brazil captain was at the centre of controversy on Wednesday evening, after being sent off for kicking the ball at Pablo Armero and aiming a headbutt at Jeison Murillo during his side's 1-0 defeat against Colombia in the Copa America.

He has since been given a provisional one-match ban, but Mascherano believes that the rough treatment his Barcelona teammate is given in matches is what caused his furious reaction.

"These type of talented players aren't allowed to play," he told ESPN. "The collisions are getting worse in the tournament. It depends on what the referees and organisations want to do.

"We must do more to protect these players. [Neymar was] kicked 20 times, yet one hand was shown a yellow.

"This affects your head. Don't forget that Neymar is Neymar, but he's only a boy of 23 years. Brazil have lost a lot [as a result]."

Neymar will miss Brazil's final group match against Venezuela on Sunday.