Neymar Given 2 Match Ban
Brazil and Paris Saint Germain star Neymar Jnr has been handed a two-match ban for his part in the brawl at the end of the Ligue 1 game between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille. Neymar was one of five players sent off in a last-minute fight that took place in the match which ended 1-0 in favour of the Marseille.
The Brazilian punched Alvaro Gonzalez in the back of the head, having had several incidents with the Spanish defender previously in the game. The former Barcelona forward claimed Gonzalez made some racist comment at him. The allegation was investigated and after everything, the league management have concluded they will give the Brazilian a two match ban.
PSG full-back Layvin Kurzawa will serve a six-game suspension after he kicked Jordan Amavi, who himself has been banned for three games with Marseille team-mate Dario Benedetto receiving a one-match ban. For his part in the incident, Angel Di Maria will appear before a disciplinary committee on the 23rd of September to face his judgement.
Neymar was heard on pitchside microphones informing the fourth official he had heard a racist comment while walking off the pitch and later accused Gonzalez of racism on Twitter, urging the authorities to use VAR to clarify matters. Gonzalez denied the allegations but has been placed under investigation by the LFP.
In a statement released on Monday, Neymar claimed he hit out at Gonzalez after realising match officials “would not do anything”. “I am black, the son of a black man, the grandson and great-grandson of black men,” he said in an Instagram post. I’m proud and do not see myself as different from anyone else. “Yesterday, I wanted those in charge of the game (referees and assistants) to be impartial and understand there is no place for such prejudice.”