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Brazil will not appeal Neymar's Copa America ban

Neymar of Brazil gestures  during the International Friendly Match between Brazil and Honduras
Image: Brazil skipper Neymar will not take any more part in the Copa America

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will not appeal against the four-match ban given to Neymar which rules their skipper out of the remainder of the Copa America.

"During a meeting on Sunday night between Neymar and the technical management it was decided that the CBF would respect CONMEBOL's decision," read a CBF statement.

The CBF said Neymar would now leave the team base in Santiago on Monday.

It's one more thing that happens in my life that I will learn a lot from
Neymar

Neymar was sent off at the end of Brazil's group-stage fixture against Colombia on Wednesday when he appeared to headbutt an opposing player.

"It was a case of me letting myself go and I got myself into a bad situation," he said of the yellow card for kicking the ball at an opponent and then the straight red he received for the headbutt.

"Now it's time to rest my mind and spend time with my family. I hope this serves as a learning experience not just for me but for everyone. It's one more thing that happens in my life that I will learn a lot from."

Brazil's forward Neymar argues  with Colombians Jeison Murillo and Alexander Mejia.
Image: Neymar argues with Colombian players Jeison Murillo and Alexander Mejia

The South American confederation, CONMEBOL, banned the Barcelona attacker for four matches on Friday, with the CBF initially indicating that it wanted to appeal the decision and protesting at Neymar's treatment by referees during the tournament.

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"The coaching staff and the player hope that the same rigour with which CONMEBOL punished Neymar will be applied in all competitions organised by the entity," the statement added.

"The coaching staff of the Brazilian squad regret the loss of another important player for this tournament."

Brazil ensured they progressed to the quarter-finals as the winners of Group C by beating Venezuela 2-1 and will now face Group B runners-up Paraguay on Saturday.

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