Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, second right, reacts as Cordoba's Fraga, below, lies on the pitch during their La Liga soccer match at the Arcangel stadium, in Cordoba, Spain on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Miguel Morenatti)
The Associated Press
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Barcelona striker Neymar says players are often provoked, but must expect punishment if they retaliate as Cristiano Ronaldo did during Real Madrid's 2-1 win at Cordoba.
Ronaldo was sent off on a straight red card for punching and kicking defender Edimar inside Cordoba's penalty area during a Spanish league clash. Ronaldo apologized on his Twitter account saying, "I ask forgiveness from everyone, especially Edimar, for my thoughtless act."
"Those of us playing as forwards are exposed to provocations and intimidation and sometimes you lose your nerve," Neymar said. "It's clear we cannot do that under any circumstances. He must be punished because of the aggression."
If Ronaldo is given a three-match ban, he will miss scheduled matches against Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid and a postponed round-16 match against Sevilla.
FC Barcelona's Neymar from Brazil attends a commercial event at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in San Joan Despi, Spain, Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
The Associated Press
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, walks after receiving red card as Gareth Bale, left, talks to him during their game against Cordoba during their La Liga soccer match at the Arcangel stadium, in Cordoba, Spain on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Miguel Morenatti)
The Associated Press
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo is seen during their La Liga soccer match against Cordoba at the Arcangel stadium, in Cordoba, Spain on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Miguel Morenatti)
The Associated Press
FC Barcelona's Neymar from Brazil gestures during a commercial event at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in San Joan Despi, Spain, Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
The Associated Press