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Neymar: Diego Maradona makes urgent plea to Brazil star over World Cup diving antics
MARADONA has called on Brazil star Neymar to stop his diving antics.
Neymar has been criticised so far at the World Cup for going to ground and his theatrical reactions.
The 26-year-old has been the most fouled player so far at the tournament in Russia.
Despite the controversy surrounding the striker, he still managed to score one and assist the other in a 2-0 win over Mexico that helped Brazil reach the quarter-finals.
While Neymar has taken time to reproduce his best form, Maradona thinks his diving must stop sooner rather than later.
“Neymar is a star player too,” Maradona said.
Neymar has to change the 'chip' in his head a little bit
“He is still lacking something but he is a star.
“He has to know that today diving is a yellow card and VAR exists.
"He already had one taken away against Costa Rica.
“Neymar has to change the 'chip' in his head a little bit."
Eric Cantona compares Neymar to a suitcase in hilarious sketch
Meanwhile, ITV pundit Martin O’Neill was much cruder in his assessment of Neymar.
“It’s pathetic. It’s absolutely pathetic. Honestly,” he said.
“It’s a red card nowadays because they’ve spotted somebody stand on his foot, but the pain threshold of Neymar is just incredibly low I must admit.”