Neymar Left Limping Into Brazil Team Hotel After Fans Escape Security And Slide Tackle Him

Neymar was left limping into Brazil's team hotel after two over-enthusiastic fans escaped security and ran right into the PSG striker, colliding with his legs and sending him staggering.

The scary incident - captured on video - sparked an injury concern for the 29-year-old as Brazil prepare for a pair of World Cup qualifiers, followed by a Copa America tournament on home soil.

The Brazilian squad were departing their team bus and heading to their hotel when two young fans - clearly eager to meet their idol - got through security and ran towards Neymar. Unfortunately they slipped and crashed right into the striker, before security stepped in.

A minor melee followed as one fan appeared unwilling to let go of Neymar and, when he was finally freed, the forward could be seen gingerly bending down to feel his ankle. He also lost his shoe in the incident.

The 29-year-old was eventually able to continue on into the team hotel but was hobbling and favouring his left leg as he walked.

Brazil coach Tite has yet to give any update on Neymar's fitness with a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador to be played in the next 24 hours.

However Neymar did offer a brief wave at the fans - on the right side of the barrier - before he disappeared into the hotel. So perhaps, despite his laboured walk, the Brazilian star didn't feel anything was too wrong with his leg.

There is a heightened concern around Neymar when it comes to injuries as the Brazilian has missed crucial games for his club, Paris Saint-Germain, and country with an unfortunate series of complaints.

Neymar missed Brazil's entire 2019 Copa America campaign with an ankle ligament injury. A broken back, sustained during the 2014 World Cup quarter-final against Colombia, ruled him out of Brazil's semi-final against Germany on home soil.

So understandably any knock to Neymar is taken very seriously - particularly when they come from his country's own fans and while he's just trying to walk to the team hotel.

Here's hoping that Neymar made it through the bizarre skirmish without any harm.

All imagery: PA Images/Twitter

Topics: Neymar, Copa America, Brazil, Paris Saint Germain

Alex Reid

Alex Reid is a writer at SPORTbible who’s previously strung words together for FourFourTwo, Boxing News, The Guardian and, yes, Cruise International (it’s about big ships, not Tom). Interests range from football and boxing to real sports like WWE and darts. He is not a cage fighter.

@otheralexreid