Why is Neymar banned from Champions League and when can he return?
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN begin their Champions League challenge with a tough home assignment against Real Madrid.
The French giants are already top of Ligue 1 and welcomed back star man Neymar to a mixed reception at the weekend – but the Brazilian won’t be facing Zinedine Zidane’s side in the tournament curtain-raiser.
Why is Neymar banned from the Champions League?
NEYMAR has suffered an injury-hit 2019 and has sat on the sidelines for much of the year.
He had to watch on helpless as PSG slumped to last-16 defeat against Manchester United in dramatic circumstances at the Parc des Princes back in March.
And it’s what he said after that game which means he will miss the opening match of the 2019/20 tournament.
Following the controversial VAR decision to award a penalty to the Red Devils, a furious Neymar branded the decision a ‘disgrace’ in social media posts.
He raged: “It’s a disgrace. Four guys who know nothing about football watch a slow-motion replay in front of the television.
“What can [Kimpembe] do with his hand while his back is turned?”
Uefa charged the striker and found him guilty of insulting match officials, initially giving him a three-game European ban.
That has been reduced to two matches on appeal, but means that Neymar won’t be appearing in the crunch clash against Real.
When can he return?
THE initial three-game ban would have seen Neymar out of European action until November 6.
Instead, he will now miss the games against Real Madrid and Galatasaray (October 1).
He will be available for selection when PSG visit Club Brugge on Tuesday, October 22.
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PSG Champions League fixtures
- Real Madrid (h) – Wednesday, September 18
- Galatasaray (a) – Tuesday, October 1
- Club Brugge (a) – Tuesday, October 22
- Club Brugge (h) – Wednesday, November 6
- Real Madrid (a) – Tuesday, November 26
- Galatasaray (h) – Wednesday, December 11