Santos coach Muricy Ramalho has slammed referee Claudio Lima over his booking of Neymar which earned the forward to a one match ban.
Neymar was booked by the referee for what he saw as exaggerated contact after he went down under a challenge from the opposing goalkeeper in Santos’ 2-0 win over Figueirense.
Ramalho told reporters after the match: “It was absurd what he did. He decided an important game for us. And it’s always Neymar.
“He punished the player who was fouled, it is regrettable. Sometimes we do not agree with a lot of criticism for referees, but this was not right.”
The coach, however, ruled out giving Neymar a break: “He wasn’t tired. He hardly ever asks to take a break and I don’t think he will take one now. But it will be a break for him because he will be rested for the next game.
“It will be good for him to rest. We will do our best.”
