Neymar banned for rest of Copa America

Santiago, June 20: Brazil forward Neymar will miss the rest of the Copa America after receiving a four-match ban by South American football’s governing body Conmebol.

The body’s discipliry committee handed down its decision on Friday, two days after Brazil’s fractious 1-0 loss to Colombia in Santiago.

Neymar was shown a straight red card after he kicked a ball at defender Pablo Armero and then clashed with striker Carlos Bacca after the fil whistle.

The Brazil captain had already received a yellow card - his second for the tourment - for a handball in the first half.

He was handed a provisiol one-match ban on Thursday and Brazil’s football confederation had until Friday afternoon to present a defence for the Barcelo player.

Bacca, also sent off for pushing Neymar, has been given a two-game ban. IANS