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Neymar challenge prank gets Hasmonean Primary School boys banned from parliament trip

One mother says the punishment is 'totally disproportionate'

July 13, 2018 09:46
Neymar Jr of Brazil goes down injured during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Brazil and Belgium

ByBen Weich, Ben Weich

1 min read

While feigning injury on the football pitch would normally earn offenders a booking, one Jewish school has responded by excluding pupils from a trip to Parliament.

Ten of the 14 boys in year six at Hasmonean Primary School in Hendon, North West London, angered their teachers when they did the “Neymar Challenge” during their sports day on Tuesday.

The internet meme has gone viral during the World Cup. It involves participants rolling on the floor in feigned agony to mock Neymar, the Brazilian superstar who has become infamous for his on-field theatrics.

Daniel Gastwirth, Hasmomean’s deputy headteacher, wrote to the boys’ parents to inform them of their sons’ “extremely dangerous, atrocious behaviour”, accusing them of committing a Chillul Hashem — desecration of God’s name.