Qatar 2022: Eden Hazard Rubbishes Claims That Star Players Should Get More Protection Amid Neymar Injury

• Eden Hazard has rubbished claims that star players ought to be protected more by the referees
• Hazard said it was part of the games, and players should deal with it
• This comes days after Neymar was fouled and injured during the game against Serbia in their opening World Cup match

Belgium captain Eden Hazard has said that star players who like to keep the ball should not complain when they get fouled.

Hazard's comments come days after Neymar was ruled out of Brazil's Brazil's final two group matches with an ankle injury. The Brazilian star was fouled nine times against Serbia.

Serbia persistently fouled Neymar, forcing Tite to withdraw him in the 80th minute of their first World Cup game. The Paris Saint-Germain superstar was reduced to tears on the bench.

Pictures of his swollen ankle began to circulate on social media after the game raising concerns about his participation in the tournament.

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As a result, the 30-year-old will miss Brazil's game against Switzerland and possibly Cameroon. The star winger posted an emotional message after the news broke.

"Today has become one of the most difficult moments of my career… and again in a World Cup. I have an injury yes, it's annoying, it's going to hurt but I'm sure I'll have a chance to come back because I'll do my best to help my country, my companions and myself," Goal reports.

Hazard comments on fouling

Real Madrid and Belgium star has said that although fouling is part of the game, players who foul more should be carded. He reiterated that getting fouled means, you're doing something right.

“I always say if there is a foul on me it means I have the ball, so it’s a good sign, it’s part of my game. More players with the ball like me, like Neymar, like Vinicius Junior, we can receive fouls. We have to deal with it."

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He added that fouling is part of the game.

“I just hope opponents can have yellow cards more often than now, because then they will stop the fouls. But it’s part of the game, if you don’t want to get fouled don’t get the ball, that’s it,” according to the Mirror.

Belgium play Morroco on Sunday afternoon as they look to build on their narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Hazard condemns Germany

Sports Brief earlier reported Hazard condemning Germany's decision to cover their mouths before their match against Japan during the team photo as a symbol of being silenced by FIFA.

The Belgium captain argued the 2014 World Cup winners should have focused on football instead of dabbling in sending 'political messages'.

Unfortunately for Germany, their symbolic gesture did not translate into the expected result as Japan shocked them with a 2-1 comeback win.