PSG issued a statement to defend the star players and criticize the extremist group of fans who protested outside the club’s headquarters.
“PSG strongly condemns the offensive and intolerable actions of a small group of individuals that took place on Wednesday this week,” the Ligue 1 champions said in a statement on May 4. “Regardless of the conflict, such action is unjustifiable. The club fully supports the players, the coaching staff and opposes those involved in this shameful behaviour.”
According to Le Parisien, about 200 fans gathered in front of PSG headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt at 6 pm on May 3. They held up banners and banners and chanted insults to Lionel Messi. Neymar, Marco Verratti and coach Christophe Galtier were also victims, while President Al Khelaifi was asked to resign.
The incident occurred after it was reported that Messi was suspended by PSG for two weeks because he flew to Saudi Arabia to perform his job as an ambassador of the Saudi Ministry of Tourism without the club’s permission. With this ban, Messi is unlikely to play any more matches for PSG. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Argentine striker will not renew his contract and leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Another group of radical fans gathered in front of Neymar’s private house in Bougival in the Yvelines region. They chanted: “Neymar, farewell”. The Brazilian striker confirmed the incident via social networks. He announced, “They gathered in front of my house but just left.” Neymar has been out of action since mid-February due to an ankle injury.
While PSG fans were angry, Neymar seemed to add fuel to the fire when he liked a photo of him and Messi wearing a Barca shirt, posted by Brazilian TV channel TNT on social networks. The channel wrote: “They used to be very happy”.
According to Le Parisien, Messi’s father and agent – Jorge – is negotiating with the Saudi government for the Argentine superstar to move to the Saudi League with Cristiano Ronaldo. But also does not rule out the possibility that the 35-year-old striker will return to Barca. Meanwhile, Neymar is almost certain to leave because the wave of protests against the striker has lasted for many years.
