Neymar responds to Alvaro Gonzalez’s comment with further racism claims

PSG superstar Neymar has doubled down on claims he was subjected to a racist remark during Sunday’s fiery defeat to Marseille.

The forward was one of five players dismissed in the closing minutes, as both sets of players were involved in a mass brawl at the end of Marseille’s 1-0 win.

Neymar appeared to throw a punch at Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez, with referee Jerome Brisard given him his marching orders.

As he left the pitch, Neymar was caught by cameras telling the fourth official he had been the victim of a racist remark, repeating his allegation to television cameras.

Following the game, the Brazilian took to Twitter, posting a message translated as: “The only regret I have is for not being in the face of this asshole” – which has been widely interpreted to mean he regrets not punching him in the face.

He later tweeted that he had been called a “monkey motherf*****”.

Gonzalez then sent a dig back at Neymar, saying: “There is no place for racism… Sometimes you have to learn to lose and take it on the field. Incredible 3 points today. Allez l’OM. Thanks family.”

But in the early hours of Monday morning, the PSG superstar responded to Gonzalez’s post, saying he had no respect for the Marseille defender.

“You are not a man to assume your mistake, losing is part of the sport. Now insulting and bringing racism into our lives no, I don’t agree. I DON’T RESPECT YOU! YOU HAVE NO CHARACTER!”

Even before the ugly brawl, tensions were high during Sunday’s Le Classique, with 12 players cautioned during the game.

Former Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria was accused of spitting at a player – just weeks after recovering from Covid-19 – although VAR ruled he was innocent.

The defeat means the reigning French champions have lost both of their opening games, failing to score in their first two games of the season for the first time in more than 30 years.