Napoli have released a statement expressing regret for Neymar’s injury, but also support for their under-fire full-back Juan Camilo Zuniga.
Napoli have released a statement expressing regret for Neymar’s injury, but also support for their under-fire full-back Juan Camilo Zuniga.
During Colombia’s eventual World Cup quarter-final defeat to Brazil, Zuniga inadvertently ended Neymar’s tournament early with a particular challenge that fractured a vertebra in his back.
The 28-year-old has apologised to the Barcelona ace but has been the subject of both death threats and fierce media criticism.
Selecao captain Thiago Silva has continued the latter in labelling Zuniga’s challenge ‘cowardly’.
In response to the reaction surrounding their player, Napoli have now released a statement on their official website.
“Napoli are sorry for the accident that occurred that will prevent Neymar from playing in the semi-final against Germany,” read the Partenopei’s statement released today.
“For the Brazilian champion we send best wishes for a speedy recovery.
“At the same time, the club expresses its support for Camilo Zuniga, subjected to fierce criticism and threats of all kinds, for a foul in play that was not malicious but unfortunate in its consequences.
“We note with relief that, in addition to the referee and his assistants, also the FIFA Disciplinary Commission has found that the foul was not malicious.”