Brazil will appeal Neymar's Copa suspension

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP):

Brazil said yesterday it would appeal Neymar's four-game suspension that rules him out of the rest of the Copa AmÈrica.

The Brazilian confederation's "legal department will file a counterpoint to Neymar's sanction," coach Dunga said in a news conference in Santiago.

Dunga said Neymar has a huge importance in football, and, therefore, the sanctions against him are also huge.

"We don't want anything in favour or against, just what's fair," Dunga said.

A CONMEBOL disciplinary panel ruled on Friday that he must sit out four games for his conduct in a 1-0 loss to Colombia on Wednesday when he was sent off after the final whistle. He was also fined $10,000.

While Neymar dazzled in the opening win over Peru, he failed to shine and appeared nervous against Colombia. He clashed with opponents and constantly complained to Chilean referee Enrique Osses. After the game, Neymar said it was all caused by a "weak referee".

Neymar received a yellow card during the game, and second of the tournament, which would have been enough to keep him from playing today in the key group match against Venezuela.

"Neymar was hit 20 times during the game. After, he lost control and touched the ball with his hand, and he got a yellow card. Is this fair?" Dunga asked. "Just like (Alexis) Sanchez, (Lionel) Messi and (Angel) Di Maria, these players have to be protected from so many fouls."

head-butt player

Neymar was red-carded after apparently kicking the ball toward Colombia's Pablo Armero after the referee blew for full time. He also appeared to head-butt another player who came to confront him, and Brazilian media said he confronted and verbally abused the referee before going into the changing rooms.

Dunga has not announced Neymar's substitute against Venezuela. Although Philippe Coutinho is expected to take his spot, Dunga has said he's also considering Robinho.