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Neymar Charged by UEFA over VAR Outburst After PSG's Champions League Loss

Matt Jones

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has been charged by UEFA for his conduct after his side's elimination from the Champions League against Manchester United, per BBC Sport

After the Premier League side staged an incredible fightback to beat the French champions in the last-16 showdown, Neymar took to social media to issue a foul-mouthed rant against the officials. United's late penalty was awarded after a VAR review and the Brazilian called the decision a "disgrace."

Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC noted the player will have a hearing with the organisation's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, with UEFA citing his "insulting/molesting acts against match official" as reason for the charge.

This is what the 27-year-old said about the decision on his Instagram account following the game:

After winning the first leg of the tie 2-0 away from home, PSG appeared in a commanding position to qualify for the quarter-finals.

However, United rallied in the return leg in Paris, with two goals from Romelu Lukaku either side of Juan Bernat’s strike putting them 2-1 up on the night. In stoppage time, Presnel Kimpembe was deemed to have handled Diogo Dalot’s shot and Marcus Rashford’s subsequent penalty put United through.

The penalty was only awarded following a lengthy review by VAR, resulting in a tense and dramatic conclusion to the contest (U.S. only):

Neymar would have been doubly frustrated, as an injury prevented him from featuring in either match against the Red Devils. The Brazilian was in the stands for the match in Paris and came down to the sidelines late on, where he cut an agitated figure.

It's the second consecutive season in which Neymar has missed Champions League knockout games due to injury. In 2018, he was absent for the second leg of the meeting with Real Madrid, with his team again failing to get through into the last eight.

WhoScored summed up the kind of impact he was having before being sidelined:

Neymar has been out since January 23, when he hobbled out of the Coupe de France clash with Strasbourg due to a broken metatarsal. With no European Cup on the cards for PSG this season and a 20-point lead established at the top of Ligue 1, there’s no need for Neymar to be rushed back to action.

   

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