After red card, Neymar says ref fell for ‘Marseille theatrics’
Neymar blames the referee for “falling for Marseille’s theatrics” after his sending off in Paris Saint-Germain’s explosive 2-2 draw at the Stade Velodrome on Sunday.
Neymar was constantly harried and niggled by a series of fouls in the grudge game against PSG’s bitter Ligue 1 rivals, and pelted by projectiles hurled by Marseille fans whilst taking corners.
The former Barcelona striker was eventually sent off for two yellow cards late on, both for retaliation with the Brazilian superstar appearing to aim a head-butt at Marseille’s Argentine striker Lucas Ocampos.
“That wasn’t football,” the world’s most expensive player complained.
“The referee fell into the trap of falling for Marseille’s theatrics.
“I was the target of lots of missiles, cans, baguettes. I didn’t lose my cool but I accept my mistake.”
He described the heated atmosphere on the south coast as similar to “a Champions League” night.
“We tried to play as we know how but it was difficult. PSG weren’t great .... Marseille were good whilst we were below standard. We have to become used to this type of rival.”
Tensions were running high for France’s ‘clasico’, from which PSG fans were banned over security fears.
Supporters fought battles with police outside the ground with cars bearing Paris number plates attacked. There were 16 arrests.
PSG coach Unai Emery meanwhile urged Ligue 1 referees to make sure marquee players like Neymar were better protected.
“We are a bit disappointed by the sending off because he was fouled a great deal during the game,” said Emery.
“He suffered four serious fouls from our opponents which continued and continued and continued,” added the Spaniard, insisting the Paris capital side’s 222 million euro ($261.5 million) prize asset had been provoked throughout the match.
“It’s up to all of us to protect the big players, on both sides, because (Dimitri) Payet is also a good player,” said Emery in reference to the Marseille playmaker.
Neymar had been excellent for PSG scoring a cool-headed equaliser and looking every inch a big game player until his rush of blood to the head and the red card with his side 2-1 down in the 88th minute.
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