Neymar apologises for red card, leaves Brazil camp as training is ‘killing him inside’

The Barcelona forward’s suspension ruled him out of the tournament in Chile, with his federation deciding against an appeal.

Neymar sparked a melee at the end of Brazil’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Group C, kicking the ball at Pablo Armero before appearing to headbutt Jeison Murillo.

He announced his decision to leave the Brazil camp in a lengthy Instagram post and insisted the moment was an “important learning curve” in his career.

“I waited with great faith in the hope of still being able to serve the Brazilian national team in this Copa America,” he wrote in Portuguese.

“Unfortunately it will not be possible. I know that my presence in the group is important, as well as of each of the other players, more than ever, they must completely turn their thoughts to the upcoming matches ahead.

“I was given the duty of being one of the group leaders and as captain take responsibility for bringing glory and making decisions, whether wrong or right. And this was a moment of decision.

“Regardless of where I’ll be from now on, I’ll always follow Brazil, rooting for the success of my team-mates, but staying here training is killing me inside… With no joy. It’s awful to train without preparing for something and this could lead to an accidental injury which would make it even more difficult.

“I needed to express this feeling to the group and the coaching staff who have always supported me. Staying here could bring a bad environment of “Concentration” issues that would take the focus away from the main purpose of Brazil.

“I apologise to my colleagues, for putting myself in this situation but I’m sure this was an important learning curve in my career.”

Brazil beat Peru 2-1 to top their group and book a quarter-final meeting with Paraguay.