Brazil's Neymar out of Copa with four-match ban

Brazil captain Neymar was ruled out of the remainder of the Copa America on Friday (Jun 19) after being hit with a four-match ban for headbutting a Colombian player in a post-match brawl.

South American football's governing body CONMEBOL confirmed the 23-year-old's punishment after the striker's red card during a post-match scrap following Brazil's 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Group C on Wednesday. The surprisingly severe sanction means that Neymar, who was also fined US$10,000 (S$13,339), will play no further part in the tournament, unless the Barcelona player lodges a successful appeal.

Brazil, who face Venezuela in their final group match on Sunday, would have a maximum of only four games left if they reached the final.

Neymar saw red after a combative game with Colombia that ended in a tumultuous melee, with the Brazil star appearing to aim a headbutt at Colombian goalscorer Jeison Murillo. Colombian player Carlos Bacca, who shoved Neymar following his butt on Murillo, was suspended for two games, CONMEBOL confirmed.