Zuniga still receiving death threats over Neymar injury

The defender ended the forward's World Cup with a bad challenge, incurring the wrath of supporters who have threatened the player via phone and email

Colombia star Camilo Zuniga has received death threats in the aftermath of the World Cup following his tournament-ending challenge on Neymar.

The defender sent the Brazil talisman crashing to the ground in agony in the 2-1 quarter-final defeat to the host nation, which saw the 22-year-old suffer a fractured vertebra.

Though there appeared to be no malice in the challenge, the Napoli man has since had to employ bodyguards, having been threatened via phone and email since the tournament.

The player's father has revealed the continued threat posed to his son and hopes in time supporters will move on from the episode.

He told Lancenet: "We heard nasty comments and threats by phone and email. They are crazy and rude messages.

"As a parent I am worried, but not only for him, but his wife and daughter, I hope that the dust will settle and we can all move on.

"Neymar has acquitted him of responsibility - my boy was not at fault. He is not violent and has no past history of nasty moves. What happened to Neymar happens to all players, injuries are part of football."

Brazil advanced to the semi-finals of the competition at Colombia's expense but were humiliated 7-1 by Germany with their star man watching from the stands.