UEFA charges Neymar for “insulting’’ referee after PSG’s loss to Manchester United

Paris St-Germain (PSG) forward, Neymar, has been charged for “insulting and/or molesting” the referee, European football governing body UEFA said on Friday.

UEFA said the charge was in the wake of his post-game rant after the French side were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League last 16 by Manchester United.

Neymar, who was sidelined by injury, was investigated for lashing out and labelling the video assistant referee (VAR) system a “disgrace”.

This was after Manchester United won a controversial penalty kick in the dying stages to advance on away goals.

“Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between PSG and Manchester United FC (1-3), played on March 6 in France,” UEFA said in a statement.

“Player Neymar Junior —- insulting/molesting acts against match official (statements made by the player following the above-mentioned match) – Art. 15 (1) (d) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.”

If the Brazilian is found guilty, he could be suspended for three matches in the competition for insulting match officials.

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will look into the case and a date for the hearing is yet to be confirmed.

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel had said after the game that he understood Neymar’s anger and defended his comments, saying they were made in the heat of the moment.

(Reuters/NAN)