Neymar Handed Three-Game Ban By UEFA

By Max Wise

Brazilian forward, Neymar, has been banned for three games by the Union of European Football Association(UEFA) for derogatory comments he made about match officials in the aftermath of Paris Saint Germain’s exit at the hands of Manchester United in the Champions League.

Neymar missed both ties of the last 16 clash through injury but was infuriated by referee Damir Skomina’s decision to award Manchester United a late penalty which was converted by Marcus Rashford to see the Red Devils progress at the expense of the French champions.

The penalty was awarded after Diogo Dalot’s goal-bound effort was adjudged to have struck Presnel Kimpembe’s arm in second half injury time.

A corner kick was initially awarded by referee Skomina, but following a Video Assistant Referee(VAR) review, a penalty was awarded instead.

"What can he do with his hand while his back is turned?" asked Neymar, who watched the game from the stands.

"That is a disgrace!" Neymar wrote on his Instagram Stories after the game.

"And UEFA still pick four guys who know nothing about football to review the VAR decision in slow motion... that handball simply doesn't exist!

"How do you handball behind your back? Ahh.. go f*ck yourselves."

UEFA subsequently charged Neymar after the game for his comments, and he will now miss half of next season’s Champions League group stage games.

The Brazilian superstar has just recently returned to action following the injury which kept him out of the Champions League knockout games.