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Paris Saint-Germain want more protection for their record-signing Neymar. Photo: AFP
SportFootball

Red-card Neymar deserves protection, says Paris Saint-Germain coach after last-gasp draw with Marseille

The Brazilian forward endures a rough day in Marseille

French Ligue 1
Agence France-Presse
Agence France-Presse
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Paris Saint Germain coach Unai Emery has called for Ligue 1 referees to better protect marquee players after Brazilian superstar Neymar was sent off in a 2-2 draw in their bitter grudge match with Marseille on Sunday.

Neymar was not only constantly harried and niggled by a series of fouls in the game, but also pelted by Stade Velodrome fans with coins and even lighters whilst taking corners.

The former Barcelona star eventually lost his cool and was sent off for two yellow cards late on, both for retaliation with him appearing to aim a headbutt at Marseille’s Argentine striker Lucas Ocampos.
Neymar was pelted by Marseille fans as he prepared to take a corner. Photo: AFP

“We are a bit disappointed by the sending off because he was fouled a great deal during the game,” said Emery.

“He suffered four serious fouls from our opponents which continued and continued and continued,” said Emery, insisting the world’s most expensive player had been provoked throughout the match.

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Neymar had been excellent for PSG scoring a cool-headed equaliser and looking every inch a big game player until his rush of blood to the head and the red card with his side 2-1 down in the 88th minute.

“I believe the referee should have had a good think about it. We need to protect the great players,” said Emery.
Neymar was shown a red card for an apparent headbutt. Photo: EPA

“Those yellow cards were not fair on Neymar, he’s a man who wants to play.

“He hasn’t been battered here, but if he gets that treatment every game ...” Emery said of the 25-year-old who joined PSG for a world-record €222 million (HK$2.04 billion) in the close season.

“It’s up to all of us to protect the big players, on both sides, because (Dimitri) Payet is also a good player,” said Emery in reference to the Marseille playmaker.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Sent-off Neymar needs protection, says PSG coach
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