Neymar Suspended For Remainder Of 2015 Copa America Tournament

Brazil's chances of winning the 2015 Copa America tournament in Chile just suffered a serious blow on Friday afternoon when CONMEBOl announced that Brazilian striker Neymar will miss the next four matches while he serves a suspension for trying to head-butt an opponent on the pitch.

Neymar is Brazil's captain and arguably the second best player in the entire tournament behind FC Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi. In addition to the four-game suspension, Neymar also will have to open up his check book to the tune of a $10,000 fine.

Neymar received two yellow cards and was ejected from the match in the final moments of Brazil's 1-0 loss to Colombia on Wednesday. After the Copa America disciplinary board met on Thursday, they originally handed the #10 a two-game ban, but CONMEBOL reversed that decision on Friday, extending the suspension to four games.

Neymar showed immaturity and a lack of discipline on the pitch as the 23-year-old striker was sent off in the waning moments of Wednesday's match. Neymar got into a verbal argument with Colombian defender Jeison Murillo and attempted to head-butt the Colombian opponent before teammates intervened. A melee broke loose shortly thereafter with Colombian striker, Carlos Bacca, also shown a red card for shoving Neymar to the ground.

Referee Enrique Osses sent Neymar off and reportedly the Brazilian forward verbally abused him in the dressing room following the match.

"In my view, the rules are always used against me," Neymar said.

Neymar received a yellow card, his second in consecutive matches for unintentionally touching the ball with his hand after his shot was blocked by Colombia's goalkeeper. "I was off balance, the bally hit my hand, but it was not intentional," Neymar said about the handball. "They put a weak referee in there to whistle up for all that. The team didn't play well."

The Brazilian soccer federation is expected to appeal the punishment, but it is unlikely Neyamr will be able to suit up for Brazil's third and final match of Group C play on Sunday. All three teams in the group: Colombia, Venezuela and Peru are all tied with 3 points, and Brazil will need an outright victory over Venezuela to ensure they move on to the knockout round.