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Former Brazil striker Ronaldo has accused Colombia’s Juan Zuniga of an “evil, violent” tackle that has put Neymar out of the World Cup and said on Saturday he favoured tougher sanctions against violent play.
“It was a very violent, unlawful tackle,” said Ronaldo.
“We all have to fight for football to have more fair play. We have to demand that sanctions be given to violent players. I am in favour of very severe sanctions to those who don’t want to play football and just want to do such violent tackles.
“It was an evil tackle,” he added.
Zuniga damaged Neymar’s third vertebra when he came rushing in from behind and kneed the Brazil forward in the back.
Ronaldo added that while the quality of refereeing at the World Cup had been generally good, the performance of Spaniard Carlos Velasco Carballo during Friday’s quarter-final against Colombia, which Brazil won 2-1, did not impress him.

	The referee lost his authority on the pitch

	Ronaldo
Carballo, a top Uefa Champions League referee, did not book anyone until there had been 41 fouls and, although Neymar was left in agony on the ground and quickly carried off on a stretcher, Zuniga was not booked for the incident.
“The referee lost his authority on the pitch,” said Ronaldo although he disagreed with the comments by Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari, who said after the game that he thought the Colombians were “hunting” for Neymar.
“I don’t believe there was a ‘hunt’ for Neymar, but we could see there was an intention by the Colombia player to harm him,” Ronaldo said.
Fifa spokeswoman Delia Fischer said soccer’s world governing body would evaluate the match, as it always does, after receiving the referee’s report. Barcelona forward Neymar is likely to be out of action for six to eight weeks


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Fifa World Cup 2014

Ronaldo condemns 'evil' tackle that sent Neymar out of World Cup

Juan Zuniga clatters into Neymar late in the game. Photo: Xinhua

World Cup diary: Brazil weeps for Neymar, but team reaped what they sowed

The immobilised Neymar leaves Brazil's training base by helicopter to head to his home on Saturday. Photo: AFP

A composite of Zuniga's foul on Neymar and the aftermath; while rough, it hardly stood out in the context of a game referee Carballo let go out of control. Photo: AFP

Ronaldo condemns 'evil' tackle that sent Neymar out of World Cup

Juan Zuniga tried to hurt Brazilian on purpose, says former star