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Paris Saint-Germain condemn "shameful" Lionel Messi, Neymar protests

PSG condemn
© Reuters
Paris Saint-Germain condemn the "insulting" and "shameful" protests towards Lionel Messi and Neymar from the club's ultras on Wednesday.

Paris Saint-Germain have released a statement condemning the "insulting" and "shameful" protests from a portion of fans against Lionel Messi and Neymar on Wednesday.

Messi has been at the centre of controversy recently after taking an unsanctioned commercial trip to Saudi Arabia a day after PSG's shock home loss to Lorient in Ligue 1.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who had already postponed the journey more than once, apparently believed that the trip would be OK, as PSG are normally given two days off from training after a game.

However, Christophe Galtier called his players in on Monday, while Messi was already on his way to Saudi Arabia, where he is a tourism ambassador.

As a result, the 35-year-old has reportedly been suspended for two weeks and fined by the French champions, who have apparently decided not to renew his contract at the end of the campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal on April 8, 2023© Reuters

Messi will therefore leave after two mixed seasons at the Parc des Princes, and having already been booed by his own fans while on the field this term, he was the target of protests outside the club's headquarters on Wednesday.

PSG's ultras were filmed chanting derogatory comments about Messi, while Neymar was also targeted by disgruntled supporters, who turned up outside the Brazilian's home and bellowed out similarly hateful chants.

Neymar, whose future is also the subject of much debate, confirmed that the video shared on social media was genuine, writing on social media "they've just left my door" with a crying emoji.

In the wake of Thursday's disgraceful incidents, where Marco Verratti was also name-checked by PSG's ultras, the club "strongly" condemned the protests and offered their support to the affected parties.

"Paris Saint-Germain condemns in the strongest terms the intolerable and insulting actions of a small group of individuals, which took place this Wednesday," the statement read.

Marco Verratti in action for Paris Saint-Germain on October 11, 2022© Reuters

"Whatever the differences of opinion, nothing justifies such actions. The Club gives its full support to its players, its staff and all those targeted by such shameful behaviour."

Messi, who may have played his final game in a PSG shirt, has posted 20 goals and 19 assists from 37 games during a stellar campaign on the field, taking his total for the French champions to 31 goals and 34 assists from 71 outings.

Meanwhile, Neymar produced 18 goals and 17 assists in 29 matches before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury against Lille in February.

Last weekend's loss to Lorient leaves PSG five points clear of Marseille at the top of the Ligue 1 table with five games left to play, the first of which sees the champions face Troyes on Sunday night.

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Written by
Ben Knapton

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Neymar in action for Paris Saint-Germsin on October 1, 2022
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