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      Kepa is worse than rival Mendy in EVERY department as Chelsea near £28m transfer for Rennes goalkeeper

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      INCOMING Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy could make light work of Kepa Arrizabalaga – with superior stats in EVERY department last season.
      Comparisons between the Rennes star, 28, and the Blues’ current custodian, 25, do not come out well for the Spaniard.

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      Both men entered last season as first-choice for their team but Kepa was dropped on two occasions, resulting in 33 league appearances.
      Mendy, meanwhile, played 24 of the curtailed 28-game Ligue 1 season, having signed from Reims two days before their opening game.
      And yet, the Senegal international still kept more clean sheets than his new rival, producing nine shutouts to Kepa’s eight.
      Rennes only conceded 19 goals with Mendy in between the sticks, at a rate of 0.79 per game.

      Chelsea’s defence last season was notoriously dodgy, letting in 1.42 goals for every match Kepa played.
      In their Premier League opener at Brighton on Monday, the shot-stopper came unstuck in the face of Leandro Trossard’s long-range strike.
      But an earlier corner showed another of his vulnerabilities, as he unconvincingly came off his line and failed to punch the ball clear.
      In fact, Kepa only stopped 7.2 per cent of crosses last season, in comparison to Mendy’s 10.2 per cent.

      Mendy also comes out on top in save success rate, denying 78.4 per cent of shots he faced with Kepa back at 54.5 per cent.
      That meant the Chelsea No1 made only 1.6 saves per game, with third-placed Rennes calling their man into action 2.5 times per game.
      Despite the scare in his side’s 3-1 beating of Brighton, Frank Lampard insisted he has “very happy” with Kepa.
      The Blues boss said post-game: “I am very happy with Kepa. With the shot I’m not sure if he could’ve done any better.

      “But I saw a bit more confidence in how he was playing. Kepa is here, he’s our keeper and I’m happy with him.”
      Mendy is still expected to arrive with a £27.7million bid accepted, making him Ligue 1’s most expensive goalkeeper but far behind the position’s world record holder – £71m Kepa.
      With the Spaniard not expected to be sold, Chelsea will have two goalkeepers with great potential vying for one spot on the teamsheet.
      Lampard added: “If we are bringing in competition, it will be competition. That’s the nature of Chelsea and it goes throughout the squad.”

      Most expensive flop XI in Premier League history – including Sanchez, Kepa and Torres More

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      Neymar ‘faces SEVEN match ban’ for punching Marseille defender Alvaro as PSG support superstar amid racism row

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      NEYMAR may be hit with a SEVEN-game ban after he was sent off for punching Marseille’s Alvaro Gonzalez.
      The Brazilian was one of FIVE players sent off after a massive brawl at the end of Paris Saint-Germain’s shock 1-0 defeat on Sunday.

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      PSG star Neymar accused Marseille’s Alvaro of racismCredit: Reuters

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      Neymar was sent off for punching the defenderCredit: Reuters

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      Five players were dismissed in a fiery end to the Ligue 1 game on SundayCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Former Barcelona star Neymar accused Spanish defender Alvaro of racially abusing him.
      Neymar claimed Alvaro called him a ‘monkey son of a b****’.
      But after being dismissed by VAR for landing a blow on the back of Alvaro’s head, RMC Sport reports the 28-year-old could be suspended for as many as seven matches.

      Alvaro issued a strong anti-racism statement on Twitter after the game as he said ‘there is no place for racism’ alongside a photo with his black team-mates in an apparent denial.
      But PSG have publicly backed their star player.
      A statement issued on Monday read: “Paris Saint-Germain strongly supports Neymar Jr who reported being subjected to racist abuse by an opposing player.
      “The club restates that there is no place for racism in society, in football or in our lives and calls on everyone to speak out against all forms of racism throughout the world.”

      French governing body the LFP will review the incident before handing out an appropriate sanction and PSG said they ‘look forward’ to it ‘ascertaining the facts’.

      Neymar also took to Twitter to slam Gonzalez saying he is ‘not a man’, a ‘racist’ and ‘I don’t respect you’.
      He issued a further statement on his Instagram story on Monday where he explained that he ‘revolted’ and ‘could not leave without doing something’.
      He added: “Yesterday I wanted those in charge of the game (referees, assistants) to position themselves impartially and understand that there is no longer such a place for a prejudiced attitude.
      “Racism exists, it exists, but we have to stop it. No more, enough!
      “I accept my punishment because I should have followed the path of clean football. I hope, on the other hand, that the offender will also be punished.
      “The guy was a fool, I also acted like a fool for letting me getting involved in that.”
      Neymar ditched Nike for Puma to follow in the footsteps of legends like Pele and Diego Maradona and his new boots certainly had an eventful first outing.

      Marseille released a statement on Monday denying Gonzales is racist and slamming death threats he has received in wake of the clash.
      It read: “Alvaro Gonzalez is not racist, he demonstrated it to us by his daily behaviour since joining the club, as his teammates have already testified. 
      “The club remains at the disposal of the disciplinary committee to fully cooperate in the investigation of all the events which marked this meeting, and the 24 hours which preceded them.
      “This controversy is serious and already has serious consequences. 
      “The club thus condemns the dissemination of the private telephone numbers of Alvaro Gonzalez and his relatives this night on Brazilian media and social networks, giving rise since to constant harassment, consisting in particular of death threats.”

      Neymar Jr. aims to follow in Pele, Maradona and Cruyff’s footsteps as he ditches Nike for Puma after 15 years More

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      Neymar ‘faces SEVEN game ban’ for punching Marseille defender Alvaro as PSG support star amid racism row

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      NEYMAR may be slapped with a SEVEN-game ban after he was sent off for punching Marseille’s Alvaro.
      The Brazilian was one of FIVE players sent off after a huge brawl at the end of Paris Saint-Germain’s shock 1-0 defeat on Sunday.

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      PSG star Neymar accused Marseille’s Alvaro of racismCredit: Reuters

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      Neymar was sent off for punching the defenderCredit: Reuters

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      Five players were dismissed in a fiery end to the Ligue 1 game on SundayCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Former Barcelona star Neymar accused Spanish defender Alvaro of racially abusing him.
      Neymar claimed Alvaro called him a ‘monkey son of a b****’.
      But after being dismissed by VAR for landing a blow on the back of Alvaro’s head, RMC Sport reports the 28-year-old could be suspended for as many as seven matches.

      Alvaro issued a strong anti-racism statement on Twitter after the game as he said ‘there is no place for racism’ alongside a photo with his black team-mates in an apparent denial.
      But PSG have publicly backed their star player.
      A statement issued on Monday read: “Paris Saint-Germain strongly supports Neymar Jr who reported being subjected to racist abuse by an opposing player.
      “The club restates that there is no place for racism in society, in football or in our lives and calls on everyone to speak out against all forms of racism throughout the world.”

      French governing body the LFP will review the incident before handing out an appropriate sanction and PSG said they ‘look forward’ to it ‘ascertaining the facts’.

      Neymar also took to Twitter to slam Gonzalez saying he is ‘not a man’, a ‘racist’ and ‘I don’t respect you’.
      He issued a further statement on his Instagram story on Monday where he explained that he ‘revolted’ and ‘could not leave without doing something’.
      He added: “Yesterday I wanted those in charge of the game (referees, assistants) to position themselves impartially and understand that there is no longer such a place for a prejudiced attitude.
      “Racism exists, it exists, but we have to stop it. No more, enough!
      “I accept my punishment because I should have followed the path of clean football. I hope, on the other hand, that the offender will also be punished.
      “The guy was a fool, I also acted like a fool for letting me getting involved in that.”
      Neymar ditched Nike for Puma to follow in the footsteps of legends like Pele and Diego Maradona and his new boots certainly had an eventful first outing.

      Marseille released a statement on Monday denying Gonzales is racist and slamming death threats he has received in wake of the clash.
      It read: “Alvaro Gonzalez is not racist, he demonstrated it to us by his daily behaviour since joining the club, as his teammates have already testified. 
      “The club remains at the disposal of the disciplinary committee to fully cooperate in the investigation of all the events which marked this meeting, and the 24 hours which preceded them.
      “This controversy is serious and already has serious consequences. 
      “The club thus condemns the dissemination of the private telephone numbers of Alvaro Gonzalez and his relatives this night on Brazilian media and social networks, giving rise since to constant harassment, consisting in particular of death threats.”

      Neymar Jr. aims to follow in Pele, Maradona and Cruyff’s footsteps as he ditches Nike for Puma after 15 years More

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      PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi on trial in Switzerland over corruption charges for Fifa TV rights deal

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN president Nasser al-Khelaifi and former Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke went on trial over corruption changes on Monday.
      The trial of the pair and Greek marketing executive Dinos Deris in Bellinzona, Switzerland, is expected to last two weeks.

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      PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi has went on trial over corruption chargesCredit: Reuters

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      Former Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke is also on trial in SwitzerlandCredit: AFP or licensors

      Qatari Al-Khelaifi, also head of broadcaster beIN Media Group, is accused of inciting Valcke to commit “aggravated criminal mismanagement” of TV rights deal.
      The court will hear that al-Khelaifi, now a member of Uefa’s executive committee, gave Valcke the use of his luxury villa.  
      Valcke and Deris face separate accusations of bribery.
      The former Fifa chief, banned from football in 2018, is said to have taken more than £1m in kickbacks over rights deals.

      Evidence in chief will begin on Tuesday.
      Fifa will help fund a global agency to tackle corruption in sport, its president Gianni Infantino said today.
      Creating a body like the World Anti-Doping Agency to address financial corruption, match-fixing and the influence of organised crime in sport has been talked about for more than a decade without a detailed proposal.

      Infantino said: “We at Fifa are ready to invest in it.”

      PSG have also suffered problems on the pitch as well as off it having lost their opening two Ligue 1 games this season.
      Three of their players were sent off in the 1-0 defeat against Marseille on Sunday after a huge brawl erupted in injury time.

      Angel Di Maria ‘spits’ on Marseille star Gonzalez in crazy end to PSG loss More

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      Watch Neymar get sent off for PUNCH with FIVE red carded as PSG icon says he was called ‘monkey son of a b****’

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      NEYMAR was one of FIVE players sent off after he punched Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez in the back of the head before accusing the Spaniard of racism.
      The Brazilian claimed the defender called him a “monkey son of a b****” after a huge brawl erupted at the end of Marseille’s shock 1-0 win at Paris Saint-Germain.

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      Neymar was one of FIVE players sent off after a brawl in PSG’s defeat to Marseille

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      The Brazilian punched Alvaro Gonzalez in the back of the head

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      Jordan Amavi and Layvin Kurzawa traded blows and were sent off

      It’s all kicking off in Parc des Princes! 🤬The game finishes 8v9 after the referee gives FIVE red cards, including one for Neymar, in the final few minutes! 😤CARNAGE! pic.twitter.com/3yZfmEju9I
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 13, 2020

      Neymar tells the fourth official there was a racist incident after receiving his marching orders…We expect to hear much more fallout from tonight’s Le Classique. pic.twitter.com/U6ELYKNaXp
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 13, 2020

      But, after the game, Gonzalez quickly took to social media in a bid to clear his name with a strong anti-racism message.
      Florian Thauvin scored the only goal of the bitter contest on the half hour mark to down last season’s Champions League finalists.
      But the real action ensued at the death as Neymar, 28, was among FIVE stars given their marching orders in a game that saw a staggering 15 cards dished out.
      Footage appears to show ex-Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria spitting at Alvaro.

      Neymar then accused the centre-back of racism as he made his way off the pitch.
      Neymar was seen pointing at the Spaniard and shouting what seemed to be: “Racism, no?”
      After the match, the PSG star doubled down on his accusation and tweeted: “The only regret I have is not hitting this a***hole in the face.”

      He posted another tweet soon after which read: “VAR catching my “aggression” is easy.
      “Now I want to see the image of the racist calling me “MONO H*** DE P***” (monkey son of a b****) that I want to see!
      “What’s up? You punish me. I am expelled. What about him? What’s up?”

      Único arrependimento que tenho é por não ter dado na cara desse babaca
      — Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) September 13, 2020

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      Neymar called on authorities to investigate Gonzalez for alleged racist comments
      But Gonzalez hit back at Neymar’s bold claims himself on Twitter.
      The Marseille star posed for a picture with only his black team-mates.
      Gonzalez captioned the post: “There is no place for racism.
      “Clean race and with many colleagues and friends on a daily basis.
      “Sometimes you have to learn to lose and take it on the field.
      “Incredible 3 points today. Allez l’OM. Thanks family.”

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      Gonzalez hit back at Neymar’s racism claim by proudly posing with his black team-mates, accompanied by a strong anti-racism message
      Neymar himself retaliated with an incredible reply to his tweet, saying Gonzalez is “not a man” and a “racist”.
      The Brazilian wrote: “You are not a man to assume your mistake, losing is part of the sport.
      “Now insulting and bringing racism into our lives no, I don’t agree.
      “I DON’T RESPECT YOU! YOU HAVE NO CHARACTER!
      “BE A MAN. RACIST.”

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      Neymar hit back with a reply of his own on Twitter, again calling Gonzalez ‘racist’

      The angry affair descended into chaos five minutes into the six added on at the end of normal time.
      Dario Benedetto triggered the pandemonium when he crashed into Leandro Paredes as the two battled for a high ball.
      The ref gave a free-kick but Paredes reacted angrily to the challenge and rushed at Benedetto and shoved him to the floor.
      Benedetto clutched of the face as players from both teams piled into the melee.
      Paredes then lunged at Alvaro, who went down in dramatic fashion.
      Next Layvin Kurzawa and Jordan Amavi traded Karate Kid style kicks in the midst of the scuffles.
      The ref produced straight reds for the pair as the handbags subsided.

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      Leandro Paredes floored Alvaro Gonzalez who rolled around in dramatic fashion

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      Neymar eventually marched off the pitch in disgraceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He also gave second yellows and subsequent reds to both Benedetto and Paredes.
      Before a word in his ear from the VAR made him head to the sideline to check the monitor to sweep up any offences he had missed.
      And that is where the official spotted Neymar’s infringement.
      The sly striker clipped Alvaro on the back of the head with his fist after the defender as he argued with rivals after his clash with Paredes.
      But the cameras picked up the offence and the ref strode back over to issue a straight red which was met with suitable sarcastic applause from the disgraced Brazilian.
      The final whistle was blows soon after with PSG recording their second defeat of the season leaving them in the Ligue 1 relegation zone.

      Players and coaches throughout the league show ‘solidarity’ with Black Lives Matter protesters on first football Sunday More

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      Watch moment Di Maria ‘spits’ on Marseille star Gonzalez in crazy end to PSG loss with Neymar and four others sent off

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      ANGEL DI MARIA was accused of spitting at Marseille star Alvaro Gonzalez in a mad end to Sunday’s Le Classique.
      Paris Saint-Germain’s defeat to their Ligue 1 rivals descended into acrimony after five players were sent off in stoppage time.

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      Angel Di Maria and Alvaro Gonzalez went face to face earlier on in the game

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      The Spaniard insisted he had been spat on by his rival

      An on-field brawl was sparked by a stern challenge in the centre-circle and escalated as the opposing sides launched kicks and punches at each other.
      PSG winger Neymar was one man sent off for punching Gonzalez in the back of the head.
      The pair were seen arguing moments before the melee and Neymar, 28, later claimed the punch was in retaliation for alleged racist abuse aimed at him by the Marseille defender.
      Gonzalez, 30, had earlier been the subject of an alleged spit by Di Maria.

      Marseille boss Andre Villas Boas was angered that the referee and VAR failed to punish the 37th minute incident, which was captured by TV cameras.
      The ex-Spurs coach admitted after the game he had not investigated the racism accusation but stated his belief that Di Maria should be punished.
      He told Telefoot: “I don’t know. I hope not, there is no place for racism in football.
      “It’s a serious fault if it happened but I don’t think so.

      The only regret I have is for not hitting the face of this a**hole.
      Neymar

      “Before that, we had a situation with a spit from Di Maria.
      “These are things to avoid in the world of football. I hope it won’t be a black spot in this historic performance.”
      Opposing left-backs Layvin Kurzawa and Jordan Amavi were both sent off for kicking one another during the brawl, with Leandro Paredes and Dario Benedetto also dismissed.
      Neymar took to social media post-game to insist he wished he hit Gonzalez in the face.
      He tweeted: “The only regret I have is for not hitting the face of this a**hole.”
      “VAR catching my ‘aggression’ is easy… now I want to see the image of the racist calling me “MONO HIJO DE PUTA” (monkey son of a b****).”

      Sometimes you have to learn how to lose and accept it on the field.
      Alvaro Gonzalez

      Gonzalez made his own statement on Twitter, writing: “There is no place for racism. A clean career and with many team-mates and friends on a day to day basis.
      “Sometimes you have to learn how to lose and accept it on the field. Incredible three points today.”
      A Florian Thauvin goal handed Marseille the vital derby win at Parc des Princes.
      With PSG in the bottom three after two opening defeats, Villas Boas took time to praise Di Maria and Neymar for their displays after being hit by coronavirus.

      He added: “Di Maria and Neymar were incredible.
      “I congratulate them because it’s hard after COVID-19 to present yourself like this. They did well and fought for 90 minutes.
      “It was the moment for us. We were confident.”

      Neymar ‘tests positive for coronavirus’ after Ibiza holiday as PSG confirm three cases just eight days before season More

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      Neymar’s stunning sister Rafaella shows off incredible beach body in four different bikinis on holiday in Mykonos

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      RAFAELLA SANTOS gave her Instagram followers a final dose of summer with a set of bikini snaps from Mykonos.
      The Brazilian, who is the sister of Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, has been holidaying on the Greek island after hopping over from the French capital.

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      Rafaella spent the week in GreeceCredit: Instagram

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      The Brazilian has 5.5million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram

      And Rafaella posted snaps in a set of different bikinis, indulging her 5.5million followers in her wide-ranging wardrobe.
      One pic was captioned: “Today we wear pink!”
      By the weekend, she was back in France to watch PSG’s clash with Marseille from Parc des Princes.
      The visitors’ ill-tempered win was thrown into chaos when Neymar was involved in an alleged racist incident.

      A mass brawl at the end of the game saw five men sent off, including the winger for a punch on Alvaro Gonzalez.
      Having hit the Spaniard in the back of the head, he tweeted post-game: “The only regret I have is for not hitting the face of this a**hole.”

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      Rafaella indulged in the sun by the poolCredit: Instagram

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      One snap was captioned “Today we wear pink!”Credit: Instagram

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      Neymar and his sister are the best of palsCredit: Instagram @neymarjr
      He added: “VAR catching my ‘aggression’ is easy… now I want to see the image of the racist calling me “MONO HIJO DE PUTA” (monkey son of a b****)
      “That’s I want to see!”

      Neymar explained to the fourth official that he had hit Gonzalez because of a racist remark, something the Marseille man denied.
      Rafaella posted several pictures to her Instagram story in support of her brother.
      One read “If I could I would”, along with Neymar’s quote about wishing to punch Gonzalez.
      The siblings are known to be very close with Neymar notoriously missing matches in previous years around his sister’s birthday.

      Both have matching crowns inked on their left arms.
      His has the word ‘Sorella’ which means sister in Italian, while hers reads ‘Fratello’, meaning brother.
      The PSG star has her name tattooed on his wrist and her face tattooed on his right bicep – while Rafaella has the striker’s eyes inked on to her right arm.

      Neymar’s sister Rafaella Santos has great fun touring the Paris museums with her friends More

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      Neymar sent off for PUNCH with five seeing red in mass brawl as PSG superstar says he was called ‘monkey son of a b****’

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      NEYMAR was one of FIVE players sent off after he punched Marseille’s Alvaro Gonzalez in the back of the head before accusing the Spaniard of racism.
      The Brazilian claimed the defender called him a “monkey son of a b****” after a huge brawl erupted at the end of Marseille’s shock 1-0 win at Paris Saint-Germain.

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      Neymar was one of FIVE players sent off after a brawl in PSG’s defeat to Marseille

      6

      The Brazilian punched Alvaro Gonzalez in the back of the head

      6

      Jordan Amavi and Layvin Kurzawa traded blows and were sent off

      It’s all kicking off in Parc des Princes! 🤬The game finishes 8v9 after the referee gives FIVE red cards, including one for Neymar, in the final few minutes! 😤CARNAGE! pic.twitter.com/3yZfmEju9I
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 13, 2020

      Neymar tells the fourth official there was a racist incident after receiving his marching orders…We expect to hear much more fallout from tonight’s Le Classique. pic.twitter.com/U6ELYKNaXp
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 13, 2020

      Florian Thauvin scored the only goal of the bitter contest on the half hour mark to down last season’s Champions League finalists.
      But the real action ensued at the death as Neymar, 28, was among FIVE stars given their marching orders in a game that saw a staggering 15 cards dished out.
      Footage appears to show ex-Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria spitting at Alvaro.

      Neymar then accused the centre-back of racism as he made his way off the pitch.
      Neymar was seen pointing at the Spaniard and shouting what seemed to be: “Racism, no?”
      After the match, the PSG star doubled down on his accusation and tweeted: “The only regret I have is not hitting this a***hole in the face.”
      He posted another tweet soon after which read: “VAR catching my “aggression” is easy.

      “Now I want to see the image of the racist calling me “MONO H*** DE P***” (monkey son of a b****) that I want to see!
      “What’s up? You punish me. I am expelled. What about him? What’s up?”

      Único arrependimento que tenho é por não ter dado na cara desse babaca
      — Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) September 13, 2020

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      Neymar called on authorities to investigate Gonzalez for alleged racist comments

      The angry affair descended into chaos five minutes into the six added on at the end of normal time.
      Dario Benedetto triggered the pandemonium when he crashed into Leandro Paredes as the two battled for a high ball.
      The ref gave a free-kick but Paredes reacted angrily to the challenge and rushed at Benedetto and shoved him to the floor.
      Benedetto clutched of the face as players from both teams piled into the melee.
      Paredes then lunged at Alvaro, who went down in dramatic fashion.
      Next Layvin Kurzawa and Jordan Amavi traded Karate Kid style kicks in the midst of the scuffles.
      The ref produced straight reds for the pair as the handbags subsided.

      6

      Leandro Paredes floored Alvaro Gonzalez who rolled around in dramatic fashion

      6

      Neymar eventually marched off the pitch in disgraceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He also gave second yellows and subsequent reds to both Benedetto and Paredes.
      Before a word in his ear from the VAR made him head to the sideline to check the monitor to sweep up any offences he had missed.
      And that is where the official spotted Neymar’s infringement.
      The sly striker clipped Alvaro on the back of the head with his fist after the defender as he argued with rivals after his clash with Paredes.
      But the cameras picked up the offence and the ref strode back over to issue a straight red which was met with suitable sarcastic applause from the disgraced Brazilian.
      The final whistle was blows soon after with PSG recording their second defeat of the season leaving them in the Ligue 1 relegation zone.

      Players and coaches throughout the league show ‘solidarity’ with Black Lives Matter protesters on first football Sunday More