“We asked the referees for help and we were ignored.”
Neymar has posted a full explanation on Instagram, explaining his version of events from the bitter end to Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 defeat to Marseille on Sunday night.
The game ended with five red cards being shown, one of them to Neymar, and the Brazilian accusing Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez of racially abusing him during the game.
Neymar was seen informing the officials of the abuse he received, which to no action. He has reiterated in his statement on Instagram that while reacting to the abuse by striking Gonzalez may not have been the best idea, his repeated complaints were ignored.
“Yesterday, I revolted,” the statement begins.
“I was punished with a red card because I wanted to hit someone who offended me.
“I thought I couldn’t leave without doing something because I realised those in charge would not do anything.”
Neymar goes on to say: “In our sport, aggression, insults, swearing is part of the game. You can’t be affectionate.
“But racism and intolerance are unacceptable.”
“I am black. I am proud, and I do not see myself as different from anyone.”
“I wanted those in charge of the game to position themselves impartially and understand that there is no longer a place for a prejudiced attitude.
“I am saddened by the feeling of hatred we can provoke when in the heat of the moment we snap.”
The Brazilian superstar continues: “Should I have ignored it? I don’t know yet. Today, with a cool head, I say yes.
“But my companions and I asked the referees for help and we were ignored. That’s the point!”
“An action led to a reaction and got to where it did. I accept my punishment because I should have followed the path of clean football.
“I hope the offender will also be punished.
“Racism exists. It exists. But we have to stop it. No more. Enough!”
Neymar continues before ending the statement by saying: “You know what you said. I know what I did. More love to the world.”
You can view Neymar’s statement in full, in various languages, on his Instagram page below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFIDGePhTQd/
PSG have also published a statement in full support of their star player.
“Paris Saint-Germain strongly supports Neymar Jr. who reported being subjected to racist abuse by an opposing player,” the club said.
“The club restates that there is no place for racism in society, in football or in our lives and calls on everyone to speak out against all forms of racism throughout the world.
“For more than 15 years the club has been strongly committed to the fight against all forms of discrimination alongside its partners SOS Racisme, Licra and Sportitude.
“Paris Saint-Germain looks forward to the LFP’s Disciplinary Commission to investigate and ascertain the facts, and the club remains at the LFP’s disposal for any assistance required.”
