Neymar: Red Card Was Unfair, Ref Fell For ‘Marseille Theatrics’

Neymar believes his sending off was unfair and blames the referee for “falling for Marseille’s theatrics” after his sending off in Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-2 draw at the Stade Velodrome on Sunday.

The Brazil forward was sent off in the 87th minute after clashing with Lucas Ocampos and picking up a second yellow card, while his side were 2-1 behind Les Phocéens.

But Edinson Cavani scored a stunning 93rd-minute free-kick to salvage a draw for PSG.

The former Barcelona Striker was constantly harried and niggled by a series of fouls in the grudge game against PSG’s bitter Ligue 1 rivals, and pelted by projectiles hurled by Marseille fans while taking corners.

25-year-old Neymar, was eventually sent off for a second yellow card late on, both for retaliation, with the Brazilian international appearing to aim a headbutt at Marseille’s Argentine striker Lucas Ocampos.

“I think it was exaggerated, yes. And unfair. I spent the whole game getting enough. I have many marks on my body,” Neymar told Esporte Interativo.

“It was a move I tried to continue after suffering a foul. I was annoyed at the blow from behind.

“The referee fell into the trap of falling for Marseille’s theatrics.

“I was the target of lots of missiles, cans, baguettes. I didn’t lose my cool but I accept my mistake.”

PSG coach Unai Emery while lending his voice after the match urged Ligue 1 referees to make sure marquee players like Neymar were better protected.

“We are a bit disappointed by the sending off because he was fouled a great deal during the game,” said Emery.

“He suffered four serious fouls from our opponents which continued and continued and continued,” added the Spaniard, insisting the Paris capital side’s 222 million euro prize asset had been provoked throughout the match.

“It’s up to all of us to protect the big players, on both sides, because (Dimitri) Payet is also a good player,” said Emery in reference to the Marseille playmaker.

The result means PSG keep their unbeaten record and are four points clear atop Ligue 1 with 26 points after the draw, with Neymar set to miss Friday’s clash against Nice, while Marseille are fifth on the table with 18 points.