Paris Saint-Germain is like a never-ending soap opera. Even if they are winning on the field, the French team seems to be in a constant state of disarray.
Things can quickly become quite ugly if they don’t win every match on the field. Fans have been booing two of the biggest names in football, Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr., this week, and that is exactly what has been occurring.
While Messi’s problems have been fairly sudden, there has long been a gulf between PSG supporters and Neymar. Fans have gathered outside the home of the Brazilian celebrity to express their strong opinions about him, bringing the situation to a head.
PSG supporters harass Neymar
On Wednesday night, a video from the account ParisienTimes appeared on Twitter, and it has now been confirmed to show supporters outside of Neymar’s residence yelling at him to leave the club.
A group split off and went to Neymar’s property after a demonstration was first scheduled for at the club’s headquarters. Romain Mabille, leader of the Collectif Ultras Paris (CUP), discussed the incident with Le Parisien and criticized those responsible for it.
“I don’t agree with what occurred. The CUP is not responsible for the action nor does it have any involvement in it. It could have easily been avoided. It’s not the best idea to go to his residence, Mabille added.
“[Lionel] Messi is departing, and we merely wanted to inform Neymar that it would be best for him to do the same. We just want him to continue his career far from Paris; we don’t want to damage him. We desire to enter a new age. He takes place in an era when players are free to do whatever they desire. With gamers that demonstrate desire, we wish to advance and start a new chapter.
According to AFP, PSG has since stepped up security at the practice facility and the players’ residences due to growing concerns about possible intimidation and violence.
Why do PSG supporters dislike Messi?
Not just Neymar has faced intense criticism from PSG supporters. Since there has been much discussion about Lionel Messi’s future recently, it is now known that he will not be extending his contract with the French champions.
Recently, tensions between the player and the club have increased after Messi was penalized and suspended by the team for traveling to Saudi Arabia without permission.
The attacker was fined two weeks’ pay by PSG in addition to a two-week suspension, during which time he is not permitted to practice or play for the team. It is unknown where he will ultimately play, but according to RMC Sport, PSG manager Christophe Galtier has stated that he would like Messi to play again following his suspension.
Has PSG already won Ligue 1?
The fact that PSG is really in a little bit of a title battle due to their own incompetence is part of the reason why all of this drama off the field is so much more significant than normal.
Fans at least anticipate a sprint for another Ligue 1 championship after being eliminated from the Coupe de France and the Champions League in the group stage, respectively. But their season has been riddled with too many losses. In 2023, they have dropped five Ligue 1 games.
With five games remaining for all three teams, suddenly Marseille is only five points behind PSG and Lens is only six points behind. There is a risk that PSG may get sucked in, which would be immensely embarrassing for the team given that Neymar is injured and Messi is suspended.
Where might Neymar go?
The primary owners of Newcastle United, PIF, were reportedly interested in luring Neymar to the Premier League, according to a 90min article this week.
The club’s owners want to bring in a “marquee” player this summer, and Neymar is one option they are considering.
