It has been a tumultuous week at PSG with Lionel Messi and Neymar Junior at the heart of it. The controversy started after Messi was suspended by the club for his unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. However, Messi isn’t the only player who is on the bad side of the PSG supporters. It appears as if the PSG Ultras have had enough of Lionel Messi and Neymar Junior.
The PSG Ultras are one of the most passionate fans in the soccer world and the most influential supporters’ group at PSG. The Ultras were recently seen outside of the club’s premises chanting “Messi son of a b*tch.” The Ultras have developed a cold relationship with Messi since last season. After PSG’s disqualification in the Champions League against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, the Ultras have whistled and booed Messi.
“Messi, son of a b**ch” being chanted in French & Spanish outside of PSG HQ. pic.twitter.com/FgLEpdlL3a
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) May 3, 2023
Moreover, the Ultras also went over to Neymar‘s house and staged a demonstration there as well. They chanted “Neymar get out” and made their feelings toward the Brazilian star clear. While there have already been reports confirming Messi’s departure from PSG at the end of this season, there are no indications yet about Neymar’s future at the club.
🚨🚨| PSG ‘Ultras’ turned up outside Neymar’s house today…
They can be heard chanting: “Neymar, Get Out!” and DEMANDING he leaves the club 😬
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 3, 2023
Over the last couple of years, there have been frequent rumors of Neymar seeking a move away from the club. Although the Brazilian also has a history of having a difficult relationship with the fans, this is the first time that the Ultras have made such radical demands. However, while Messi hasn’t responded yet, Neymar has responded to the Ultras’ demonstration.
Neymar hits back at the PSG Ultras
Although Neymar hasn’t officially responded to the PSG Ultras, he has taken a dig at them through his Instagram. The Brazilian superstar recently liked a post on Instagram that decried Paris Saint Germain. The post reads, “The difference between being great and having greatness! PSG has lacked and is lacking, its fans have lacked and are lacking“!
🚨 Neymar Jr likes a reel on IG which talks about how PSG is a small club with little history. pic.twitter.com/DtQHdj8Wvw
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) May 4, 2023
“Having history is not optional, position yourself as great and have the attitude of greatness is within reach! They were SMALL“! Moreover, it appears as if the former Santos star is also desiring a rendezvous at FC Barcelona alongside Lionel Messi. He liked another post on Instagram which was about how he and Messi were treated at their former club, Barcelona.
🚨👀 Neymar Jr liked this post about him & Messi being happy together at FC Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/25Cgb2OOHl
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) May 4, 2023
The post included a picture of Messi and Neymar celebrating together in Barcelona. It also contained the caption, “I know you think the same thing. They were VERY happy back then“! In addition to this, he also posted a cryptic message himself regarding the ongoing controversy. He wrote on Instagram, “Don’t let people drag you into their storms, bring them into your peace.”
Neymar on Instagram: “Don’t allow for people to put you in their storm, but put them in your peace.” pic.twitter.com/DF6CxzJZ0g
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) May 3, 2023
Although Neymar’s contract with PSG is till 2025, it is hard to believe that he will continue at the club. There have been recent rumors of Chelsea looking to sign the former Barcelona winger. However, it would be disastrous for PSG if they lose both Lionel Messi and Neymar Junior in the same transfer window.
PSG condemns fans’ behavior as they offer security to Lionel Messi and Neymar
PSG has come to the support of Lionel Messi and Neymar Junior amid the ongoing rift between the PSG duo and the Ultras. The French club issued a statement condemning the Ultras’ behavior and declared their behavior as “not justified.” The club stated, “Paris St-Germain condemns in the strongest possible terms the unacceptable and insulting actions. Whatever the differences of opinion, nothing justifies such behavior.“
🚨 PSG have decided to strengthen the security at the Camp des Loges and in front of the homes of Leo Messi, Neymar and Marco Verratti!
(Source: @RMCsport) pic.twitter.com/2xrssuyCeh
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 4, 2023
Moreover, according to the BBC, the club has also offered Messi and Neymar security from the fans’ recent violent behavior. Not only Messi and Neymar but also PSG’s vice-captain Marco Veratti has been targeted by the fans. Messi, Neymar, and Veratti have built a reputation of not going to greet the Ultras after the matches, a gesture which hasn’t been appreciated by the fans.
The club has increased the security at the homes of Messi, Veratti, and Neymar and also coach Christophe Galtier who has been under the gun for the club’s poor performances of late. The protection for the PSG quartet is also applied around the club’s premises, especially the training grounds. However, PSG has refused to comment on the security measures that they have taken.