UEFA open probe into Neymar’s criticism

Nyon: UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings on Neymar after his foul-mouthed outburst about referees following Paris Saint-Germain’s controversial Champions League exit to Manchester United last week, the governing body announced on Wednesday.

The referee awarded a penalty to the Red Devils for handball by Presnel Kimpembe in the final moments of the game, and Marcus Rashford converted the spot-kick to eliminate the Ligue 1 champions from the competition.

Neymar, who did not play in the fixture due to his current foot injury, voiced his opinion on social media after the match

He watched on incredulous from the sidelines at the Parc des Princes.

“It’s a disgrace. They get four guys who don’t understand football to watch a slow motion replay in front of the TV ...!” Neymar wrote in Portuguese on the social media website.

The 27-year-old was so reportedly enraged he had to be restrained by PSG staff to stop him entering their dressing room.

Following the clash, UEFA announced they would be looking into the 27-year-old’s post-match comments and have opened an investigation into the way he conducted himself online.

“A disciplinary investigation has been initiated ... in connection with the comments made on social media by the Paris Saint-Germain player Neymar following the above-mentioned match,” UEFA said in a statement.

“Information in respect of this investigation will be made available in due course,” it added in the statement.

A UEFA statement read: “In accordance with the Article 31 (3) (a) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, UEFA has today announced that it has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to conduct an investigation regarding the comments made on social media by the Paris Saint-Germain player Neymar Junior, following the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United FC, played on March 6 2019 in France.”

If found guilty Neymar risks punishment ranging from a fine to suspension.

The club’s latest Champions League elimination was their third consecutive defeat at the last-16 stage.

Agencies