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NEY MERCY

Brazil star Neymar was fouled TEN times against Switzerland… the most at a World Cup since England star Alan Shearer in 1998

Brazil boss Tite also convinced that Steven Zuber pushed Miranda to score the equaliser for the Swiss

NEYMAR’S long-awaited return to the World Cup set a new record, as he was the most fouled player for 20 years.

In 2014 in his home country, he left the World Cup in agony after being on the receiving end of some violent defending.

 Neymar was fouled TEN times by Switzerland - the highest total on a single player since France 98
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Neymar was fouled TEN times by Switzerland - the highest total on a single player since France 98Credit: AFP or licensors
 Neymar has only just come back from injury but was given rough treatment in the 1-1 draw
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Neymar has only just come back from injury but was given rough treatment in the 1-1 drawCredit: AFP or licensors

Neymar fractured a vertebra in his back after a dangerous challenge by Colombia’s Juan Zuniga during Brazil’s 2-1 quarter-final victory and could not play again - meaning he missed the 7-1 semi-final thrashing by Germany.

Now on his return, after four months out with another injury, he was fortunate to emerge unscathed.

The striker looked rusty in Brazil’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Switzerland, in only his second start since breaking a bone in his foot in February.

But the Paris Saint-Germain star was lucky come out of it at all, as he was clearly the target of several tactical fouls from Switzerland’s cynical defenders.

 Every time Neymar got the ball he was hounded by the Swiss
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Every time Neymar got the ball he was hounded by the SwissCredit: EPA
 Neymar argues with an official after being fouled again
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Neymar argues with an official after being fouled againCredit: AFP or licensors

Neymar was fouled ten times in the match, the most for any player at the World Cup since England’s Alan Shearer suffered 11 fouls at the hands of Tunisia at France 98.

Swiss boss Vladimir Petkovic clearly sent his side out to blot out Neymar’s match-winning potential by any means necessary.

It was the worst treatment of a Brazil player since Pele was brutally kicked out of the World Cup by Bulgaria’s brutal defenders in 1966.

The Bulgarians took it in turns to foul Pele and Brazil’s star eventually had to be carried from the pitch.

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 Neymar is brought down by Michael Lang
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Neymar is brought down by Michael LangCredit: EPA
 Neymar is seen on his back with a hole in his sock after some more heavy-handed treatment
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Neymar is seen on his back with a hole in his sock after some more heavy-handed treatmentCredit: AFP or licensors

There had also been complaints by Brazil players for the Swiss goal - Steven Zuber appeared to push defender Miranda in the back to work a little bit of space before heading home.

Brazil boss Tite believed a foul should have been given for the shove.

He said: "“The Miranda moment was very clear, It was a very clear play.

"The second one you could say it was a pen. Maybe. But the first one is without doubt a foul.

 Neymar's progress is stopped by Fabian Schar grabbing hold of his shirt
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Neymar's progress is stopped by Fabian Schar grabbing hold of his shirtCredit: AFP or licensors
 Neymar winces in pain after another foul
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Neymar winces in pain after another foulCredit: AFP
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"It’s not up to my players to protest. It’s up to people to work out and be fair.

"There is a whole process and system in place that thinks about the game.

"If the player was pushed it was a foul."


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 Steven Zuber celebrates after scoring his equaliser for Switzerland
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Steven Zuber celebrates after scoring his equaliser for SwitzerlandCredit: AP:Associated Press
 However Brazil players and manager Tite were convinced referee Cesar Arturo Ramos should have given a foul for a push on Miranda, centre
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However Brazil players and manager Tite were convinced referee Cesar Arturo Ramos should have given a foul for a push on Miranda, centreCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Miranda was also clear critical of Mexican referee Cesar Arturo Ramos.

"I was pushed out of the way," said the Inter Milan defender.

"There is video of what happened and the referee could have seen it. But it didn't happen.

"We got a draw but this is only the beginning for us. We knew this game wasn't going to be easy."

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