Neymar suspended for three Champions League matches next season

Paris Saint-Germain winger Neymar has been banned for the first three matches of next seasons Champions League campaign following comments made on Instagram after his side lost to Manchester United.

The ban will mean the 27-year-old will miss half of the group stage following his outburst.

The newly crowned French champions lost the second leg of their last 16 tie, which meant elimination from the competition, despite holding a 2-0 lead going into this match.

The Brazilian claimed last month that the decision to give a late penalty by VAR was “a disgrace” saying “the people in the booth know nothing about football.”

Following the post, UEFA opened up an enquiry into the comments which has now led to the player being banned for three European matches.

In a statement by the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body they said:

“We have decided to suspend the Paris Saint-Germain player Neymar Junior for three UEFA competition matches for which he would be otherwise eligible, for insulting match officials.”

Neymar was injured for the fixture which meant he had to watch from the stands of the Parc des Princes. In the final minute of stoppage time, referee Damir Skomina asked for assistance on a handball decision as he was unclear whether it hit defender Presnel Kimpembe’s arm.

After consoling with the team in the VAR room, the Slovenian official opted to give a penalty as the ball struck the defender on the arm. Marcus Rashford then stepped up and scored as United progressed on away goals.

The former Barcelona star has recently returned to his side following a metatarsal injury when featuring as a half-time substitute in their 3-1 win over AS Monaco. The victory confirmed the club’s status as Ligue 1 champions and mean they gain automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League.