Neymar defended as late-game antics make fools of foes in big Barcelona win

   Football superstar Neymar has come under criticism for some late-game antics in La Liga after supposedly making lesser opponents look foolish.

The Brazilian forward used ball trickery skills in Barcelona's 5-1 win over Leganes at the weekend, prompting a wave of criticism from Spanish football fans who accused him of showing off and trying to provoke opponents.

Neymar appeared to have ignored the un-written convention that top players should not make lesser opponents look foolish.



SERGIO PEREZ/ REUTERS
Barcelona football star Neymar has come under criticism for making his opponents look foolish in a La Liga game against Leganes.
Not everyone agreed though, with three top coaches coming to his support, saying he was a unique player.

Neymar has been criticised for a 'provocative' style of play in FC Barcelona's 5-1 win over Leganes at the weekend.
Football superstar Neymar has come under criticism for some late-game antics in La Liga after supposedly making lesser opponents look foolish.

The Brazilian forward used ball trickery skills in Barcelona's 5-1 win over Leganes at the weekend, prompting a wave of criticism from Spanish football fans who accused him of showing off and trying to provoke opponents.

Neymar appeared to have ignored the un-written convention that top players should not make lesser opponents look foolish.



Among the defenders of Neymar was Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone who said he was an "extraordinary player".



"Neymar has fun playing football. They can criticise him as much as they want, but he responds where he needs to respond," Simeone said.

With the victory safely secured at the weekend, Neymar used back-heel passes and other nifty moves against Leganes defenders. He scored one of the team's goals in the 44th minute and was fouled inside the area - leading to a penalty kick converted by Lionel Messi in the 55th.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said he didn't think Neymar was disrespecting his opponents.

"I don't think he is trying to provoke anybody,'' the former France midfielder said.

"He can do things that not a lot of players can do. You would have to ask him directly, but I don't think it's a provocation.''