Winger Angel Di Maria has become the latest paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player to receive a sanction for code of conduct violation during their match against Marseille in Ligue 1 on September 14.
Before Di Maria, PSG’s forward Neymar and three others have been handed suspension. The development comes after five PSG players were sent off during their match against Marseille last week. Neymar had accused a Marseille player of hurling racist abuse which led to a heated brawl on the field.
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Meanwhile, the disciplinary commission of French Professional Football (LFP) suspended Di Maria for spitting at Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez. His sanction will take effect from September 29 when PSG face Reims.
The disciplinary commission has also announced that Neymar’s complaint that Gonzalez had racially abused him would be investigated on September 30.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, Neymar had admitted he “acted like a fool” to earn a red card but said that it was important that those in power reflect on the role of racism in sport.
“Yesterday I revolted. I was punished with red because I wanted to hit someone who offended me,” Neymar said.
“I thought I could not leave without doing something because I realised that those in charge would not do anything, did not notice or ignored the fact. During the game, I wanted to answer as always: playing football. The facts showed that I did not succeed. I revolted…
“In our sport, aggressions, insults, swearing are part of the game, of the dispute. You can’t be affectionate. I understand this guy partly, all is part of the game, but racism and intolerance are unacceptable.
“I am black, son of black, grandson and great-grandson of black also. I am proud and do not see myself as different from anyone. Yesterday, I wanted those in charge of the game (referees, assistants) to position themselves impartially and to understand that there is no longer such a place for a prejudiced attitude.
“Reflecting and seeing all the manifestation of what happened, I am saddened by the feeling of hatred that we can provoke when, in the heat of the moment, we snap.
“Should I have ignored it? I don’t know yet… Today, with a cool head, I say yes, but in due course, my companions and I asked the referees for help and we were ignored. That’s the point!
“We who are involved in entertainment need to reflect. An action led to a reaction and got where it did. I accept my punishment because I should have followed the path of clean football. I hope, on the other hand, that the offender will also be punished.
“Racism exists. It exists, but we have to stop it. No more. Enough!
“The guy was a fool. I also acted like a fool for letting me get involved in that… I still have the privilege of keeping my head up today, but we all need to reflect that not all black and white people are in the same condition.
“The damage from the confrontation can be disastrous to both sides. Whether you are black or white, I don’t want to and we shouldn’t mix subjects. Skin colour we don’t choose. Before God, we are all equal.
“Now, yesterday, I lost in the game and I lacked wisdom. Being in the centre of this situation or ignoring a racist act will not help. I know. But pacifying this ‘anti-racism’ movement is our obligation so that the less privileged will naturally receive their defence.
“We will meet again and it will be my way: playing football. Stay in peace! Stay in Peace! You know what you said… I know what I did. More love to the world.”
However, Gonzalez has denied Neymar’s allegations. “There is no place for racism. A clean career and with many team-mates and friends on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes you have to learn how to lose and accept it on the field. Incredible three points today, Allez l’OM thank you family,” he wrote on Twitter.
