Neymar pays $8,700 to ref after Twitter rift

Neymar pays $8,700 to ref after Twitter rift

Published Feb. 18, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

Neymar reportedly has paid $8,700 to a referee who was described as a ''thief'' on the Brazil striker's Twitter account after a Santos match in 2010.

Neymar had been sued by referee Sandro Meira Ricci after a message on the player's Twitter said the referee was a ''thief'' and would have to leave a match ''escorted by police.'' Another said that ''my Santos is always harmed by the refereeing.''

Neymar, touted as a future Brazilian star, didn't play in the match and was watching it from TV. He said it was a friend who posted the messages.

The Globoesporte.com website said Saturday that a court ruled against Neymar two months ago, but the payments were only made now. Ricci donated the money to charities.

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