Bilbao, Barcelona star Neymar called the
refereeing "normal" and was not critical of referee
Jose Luis Gonzalez Gonzalez following his team's
2-1 Copa del Rey quarterfinal first leg win.
However, Athletic's Aritz Aduriz was critical of the
Barcelona striker for his style of play and
suggested he should change his approach to the
game.
Munir El Haddadi and Neymar provided the
scoring for Luis Enrique's team, but the Brazilian
was subjected to some rough play from Athletic,
particularly at the hands of goalscorer Aduriz.
Neymar, who was also accused of poor
sportsmanship in the teams' Copa del Rey finals
clash last season, flicked the ball over Aduriz's
head in the second half. Aduriz then chased
Neymar down, fouled him and appeared to drag
his foot across the Brazilian's back.
Aduriz said he apologized to Neymar for "touching
him a little," but said he did take issue with the
Brazilian's style of play and wished he'd change
his ways somewhat.
"Neymar is a global star but at times I wish he
had a different attitude," Aduriz told Movistar +.
"I did not go with intent to harm Neymar.
These
are things that remain on the pitch."
For his part, the 23-year-old wouldn't fault the
referee for what transpired on the pitch.
"When the match ends, everything is left on the
pitch. At times they played hard and at others
they did not," Neymar said.
"The referee is there to see it. I think the
refereeing has been normal."
The late goal from Aduriz, who scored in the 89th
minute, puts Barcelona in a slightly-less
comfortable position ahead of a Jan. 27 return leg
at the Camp Nou
"That goal may complicate the tie, but we had a
great game and now we have to win the return
leg," Neymar said.
"But the goal is dangerous because they are a
good team with players who can be decisive. We
must be vigilant."
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