Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar says he was the target of a racist slur during the French champions’ 1-0 defeat in Ligue 1 on Sunday to Olympique Marseille. The player at the center of the storm is Marseille’s Álvaro González.
The Brazilian was shown a red card along with four other players during a huge stoppage-time brawl in PSG’s 1-0 defeat.
In the wake of the brawl, the 28-year-old was seen speaking furiously to the fourth official – and later to TV cameras – as he accused the defender of a racist slur.
“My only regret is not hitting that (expletive) in the face,” proffered Neymar on social media. “VAR catching my aggression is easy. Now I want to see it catch the racist calling me a monkey (expletive).”
Alvaro Gonzalez accused Neymar of fabricating the whole thing, posting a photo of himself with many black teammates on Twitter and saying, “There is no place for racism.”
Neymar responded directly, again calling Gonzalez a racist and saying he has no character, then imploring the Marseille player to “be a man.”
“I am black, son of black, grandson and great grandson of black also. I am proud and I do not see myself as different from anyone.
“Yesterday I wanted those in charge of the game (referees, assistants) to position themselves impartially and understand that there is no longer such a prejudiced position.
“Reflecting and seeing all the manifestation that happened, I am saddened by the feeling of hatred that we can provoke when in the heat of the moment we snap.Should I have ignored it? I don’t know yet…”