Manchester United legend slammed Neymar for what he did in Brazil's win over Mexico

Neymar clutches his leg after going down injured [Photo: Courtesy]

Peter Schmeichel has hammered Neymar for play-acting – and insists the Brazilian should follow Cristiano Ronaldo's lead.

Former Denmark and Manchester United keeper Schmeichel was horrified at Neymar's antics in Brazil's 2-0 win over Mexico in Samara which earned them a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown with Belgium.

Neymar scored one and made the other for Liverpool star Roberto Firmino. But he's drawn widespread criticism for his theatrics after a clash with Mexican star Miguel Layun who trod on the Brazilian's ankle in a touchline spat.

Neymar has been accused of play-acting [Photo: Courtesy]

Neymar was accused of “fake fouls” by furious Mexico boss Juan Carlos Osorio in a rant at the PSG striker – and Schmeichel wasn't impressed either.

“It's annoying to watch, the way he tries to force cards. It seemed like he was dying, I thought he'd be put on a stretcher, then in an ambulance and never seen again” said the former Denmark and Old Trafford keeper.

“Did you see Cristiano Ronaldo do that? No. Because he quickly learned when he was a young player at United.”

Neymar receives treatment from Brazil's medical staff [Photo: Courtesy]

Schmeichel also challenged FIFA to clamp down on Neymar's theatrics.

"My God, Neymar even won the best player award against Mexico. For me, FIFA should have looked at how he behaved in the game. I cannot find any other way to describe it as really unfortunate.

“Gianni Infantino the FIFA President was in the stadium – they have to look at what was happening.

“I appeal to FIFA. It's not something we want to see in football. We have the VAR, we have to be spared these simulations. It attracts so much attention and all the kids are watching. It's not good, it's not what we want in football".

Peter Schmeichel has stuck the boot in [Photo: Courtesy]

FC Porto star Layun was also raging, and claims Neymar spends more time on the floor than on his feet.

“A player of this level lives longer on the floor than standing. It's complicated when the referees allow this” he said.

“I touched him a little, because Neymar tried to block me when I went to get the ball. But I was not even looking at him.

“The referee told me that they reviewed the incident and saw that I did not intend to stand on him as I got the ball.

“I do not fall for the provocations, in the end this is football. If you do not want to be touched, then go do something else."