Lionel Messi and Neymar faced cursing and mockery from Paris Saint-Germain fans in their first game since their dramatic Champions League collapse against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Lined up against Bordeaux in Ligue 1 on Sunday, both players were constantly booed by home supporters and mocked for their every touch. Kylian Mbappe - likely to move to Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer - has escaped the wrath of home fans.
At one point in the first half, home fans booed at Messi and Neymar's standing free kicks, only to be sarcastically amused when Neymar hit his attempt on the bar. Mbappe then took PSG to a 1-0 lead in 24 minutes and home support backed his goal. Neymar then made it 2–0 after 52 minutes but was again scored and did not celebrate his goal. PSG won the match 3–0 against the league's bottom club 15 points clear at the top and continued their march towards the Ligue 1 title.
PSG's "ultra" group, Collectif Ultras Paris, issued a statement on Twitter ahead of the match, flouting the club's directive.
“Our Paris Saint-Germain deserves those who serve it, not the people it serves. Against Bordeaux on Sunday, we will show our displeasure and we ask everyone who loves this club who will be present, to unite with our non-violent action,” it read.
PSG fans were furious midweek when their club collapsed in the midst of a stormy battle with Real Madrid in the Round of 16. Leading 1–0 from the first leg, Mbappe took a 2–0 lead in the Ligue 1 side before Karim Benzema scored a surprise score. Hat-trick for turning the tie over his head.
The French giants were handed another missed opportunity in Europe's premier club competition - a trophy that continues to elude them despite a grand investment made by the ownership of Qatar Sports Investments.
Following the loss at the Bernabeu, sources told ESPN that Neymar and Gianluigi Donnarumma clashed in a dressing room bust-up and had to be separated by teammates after a heated exchange. Neymar on Thursday responded to reports of the controversy on Instagram, denying that the fight took place.
In a post, he published a screengrab of a WhatsApp conversation with Donnarumma.
"Hi Ney. Sorry about yesterday. This news is unacceptable," the goalkeeper said before answering Neymar, "No worries! This can happen in football. We are a team, and we are with you." "
In another post, Neymar called the reports "false" and said, "There was no fighting inside the dressing room!"
Sources close to Donnarumma have denied to ESPN that the bust took place.