Even though PSG won on Wednesday, Neymar was not exactly in a great mood after the game.
The Brazilian star scored his side’s third goal in a 3-1 Champions League win at Maccabi Haifa, wrapping up the three points with an 88th-minute strike.
But after Neymar did his most recent signature celebration — in which he places his hands on either side of his head while sticking out his tongue — referee Daniel Siebert gave him a yellow card.
It was a strange decision, given Neymar did not leave the field of play and kept his shirt on. After the game, Neymar said the referee actually apologized to him, but the 30-year-old still voiced his frustration with the decision.
“I just met the referee and talked to him. He apologized. But now I already have the yellow card,” Neymar said in the mixed zone.
“This is a complete lack of respect for the players. The referees have to be there to protect us. What happened to me today is very sad. Football is getting boring and we can’t celebrate. This is a lack of respect not only for me, but for football.”
#liberaacomemoracaoDanielSiebert
To pedindo agora tá ? pic.twitter.com/ko5ZnqA3ui— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) September 14, 2022
The Brazilian also took to social media to complain, posting a picture on Twitter of his celebration with a Portuguese hashtag that, in English, translated to “free the celebration Daniel Siebert” and a caption that read: “I’m asking now, OK?”
Neymar is off to an incredible start this season, scoring 11 goals and adding seven assists in just 10 games so far.
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