Joey Barton critical of "stupid" Thiago Silva

One-capped former England international Joey Barton has criticised Brazil captain Thiago Silva for the manner in which he earned a suspension for tonight's World Cup semi-final against Germany.

The centre-back had already been cautioned earlier in the tournament when he received a second booking during the quarter-final win over Colombia for attempting to prevent goalkeeper David Ospina from making a quick clearance.

There has not been too much negative press coverage of the incident, but Queens Park Rangers midfielder Barton has insisted that the Paris Saint-Germain defender "should be getting caned" for his actions.

"Thiago Silva should be getting caned for the booking he picked up. What a stupid way to miss a WC semi final. At least get it for a tackle," Barton wrote on Twitter.

As well as Silva, the hosts will also have to make do without talisman Neymar, who has a back injury.