In the first match that Neymar played after Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup, he was sent off. In an irresponsible, childish way, rescuing the bandeau phase that seemed to be in the past.
As it was, in the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Strasbourg in Paris, for the French Championship, it is difficult to believe that it was not deliberate.
It’s my opinion, I can’t prove it, just report the facts, and the reader can come to a conclusion.
Neymar even had a good game, moving around, creating, taking fouls, contributing to PSG’s offensive actions at the Parque dos Príncipes stadium. In the first half, it was he who took the free kick that led to Marquinhos’ header, which opened the scoring.
But look what happened in the two-minute break, starting at 16 minutes into the second half.
First, Neymar, in a completely avoidable move, fouled Adrien Thomasson by hitting his rival in the face with his hand. The move earned the Brazilian a yellow card.
In the next move, Neymar projected himself into the Strasbourg area, was released and, when he saw Alexander Djiku approaching, dove into the area. The simulation was clear, the defender did not even touch the number 10 shirt.
Referee Clément Turpin correctly showed Neymar a second yellow card and then a red card.
As is customary when he does not agree with a marking, the ace gave an ironic laugh; then he walked up to Turpin, staring him in the face and “spitting it out.”
The question remains: was it all a big coincidence?
Hard to believe. Neymar had just been cautioned and he knew (there was no way he didn’t know) that trying to score a penalty would certainly cost him another warning, which would take him out of the game.
And it would take him out, as he will, from PSG’s next match, which falls on January 1 (against Lens).
Neymar, who is known to enjoy a party in order to celebrate life with his friends, is theoretically free to celebrate New Year’s Eve, either in Europe or in Brazil, without having to play football the next day.
Theoretically, because, in order to celebrate wherever he wants, the player needs to be released by the club, which is not unlikely to happen.
Why does this suspicion hover over Neymar, that he acted on purpose, even generating memes that announced “Confirmed on New Year’s Eve”?
Because there were other times when he, in the game in which he had the opportunity to act to be absent from the next game, which would be at the same time as a party, ended up being warned, so as not to be available for the team.
It took place in March 2016, when the star defended Barcelona. When he received a yellow card after grabbing an opponent, he was suspended from a match that would have made it impossible for him to be at his sister Rafaella’s birthday. Outside of the game, he went to the party.
In the previous year, 2015, on the eve of his sister’s birthday, Neymar received a yellow card that took him out of the game that would prevent him from attending Rafaella’s party. Outside of the game, he went to the party.
One of the festivities that the attacker likes the most, as well as Carnival, is the New Year.
At the turn of 2021 to 2022, he gathered dozens of people at a party on Mangaratiba beach, in Rio de Janeiro, where he has a mansion.
If you don’t want to make a fuss, Neymar will give up any grandiose celebration on the 31st, he will continue training at PSG and will accompany the delegation in the match on Sunday (1st), even though he is unable to play.
It would be a very clear, indisputable way of silencing the critics who believe that he forced his expulsion to be free to “get into trouble”.
It would be surprising given Neymar’s history. Therefore, I doubt it will happen and I consider that the most likely thing is that he will party on New Year’s Eve, most likely in Brazil.
*
In time: With an added-time goal from Mbappé, who returned to training in Paris just three days after the Qatar Cup final, PSG defeated Strasbourg 2-1, keeping a wide lead (eight points) at the top from French.
As a seasoned news journalist, I bring a wealth of experience to the field. I’ve worked with world-renowned news organizations, honing my skills as a writer and reporter. Currently, I write for the sports section at News Bulletin 247, where I bring a unique perspective to every story.
