World soccer star Neymar found himself in some hot water over the weekend following Paris Saint-Germain’s loss to Stade Rennais FC in the French Cup final on Saturday, April 27. As PSG players were walking through the crowd to collect their runner-up medals, a visibly agitated Neymar came face-to-face with a heckling fan.
Before he was pulled away from the confrontation, Neymar threw a quick strike to the fan’s face.
The 28-year-old fan reportedly told Neymar he was “useless” during the match and also instructed the Brazilian to “go and learn to play football,” according to AFP. The fan reportedly suffered a bloody nose and lip in the minor altercation.
Video of the incident quickly made the rounds on social media.
After the video began to go viral, Neymar responded to the incident with some comments on social media.
“Did I act badly?” Neymar wrote. “Yes. But no one can stay indifferent.” He also added, “Who will defend me from going in defense of my teammates?”
The fan, however, insists he did not “insult” Neymar but that he was simply mocking the Paris Saint-Germain players.
“I did not insult him,” Edouard told French sports daily L’Equipe. “I told him that they had been useless. When the players passed, Verratti, Buffon, I mocked them: ‘You are worthless. Allez Rennes!'” The fan was a 28-year-old delivery driver named Edouard who is reportedly considering pursuing charges against the soccer star for the strike to his face.
With the loss, Paris Saint-Germain saw its four-year reign as French Cup champions come to an end. The team had also been eliminated in the Round of 16 of the Champions League by Manchester United earlier this year.
