Juan Camilo Zúñiga 'accompanied by security' after threats over Neymar injury

Colombian right-back Juan Camilo Zúñiga is feeling the repercussions of his knee-to-back foul on Neymar in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Zúñiga's reckless challenge fractured a vertebra in Neymar's back, ending the Brazilian superstar's involvement in the tournament. And now, according to Zúñiga's father, the Napoli defender is being forced to walk around "accompanied by security" following threats he's received over the incident.

Per Lancenet via Football Italia:

After Colombia played Brazil at the Maracanà in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, he confessed that it was his dream to one day play in the Brazilian league.

Now for the safety of himself and his family, that is no longer a possibility. We received threats via internet and phone.

We spoke to the authorities and of course as a father I am worried. Some really crazy messages arrived, big threats, racist insults too.

I am not just afraid for my son, but also his wife and little daughter. After what happened we have been accompanied by security guards, but I hope it will just be temporary and that soon we can resume a normal life.

Neymar already absolved him of blame, my son did not do it on purpose. He is totally against violence and has no previous record of nasty fouls.

Anyone who offends him doesn’t understand football, as there were many incorrect interpretations of that challenge. Injuries are part of football, my son apologised in public and explained himself.

Zúñiga and Neymar could potentially face off again in September when Colombia take on Brazil at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.