Neymar ‘camera kick’ after PSG draw was not disrespectful ―Tuchel

Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel defended Neymar after he allegedly kicked out at a camera following Wednesday’s Champions League draw with Napoli at the Parc des Princes.

Angel Di Maria salvaged a point with a stunning late equaliser but Neymar was quick to make an exit without shaking hands with the Napoli players or acknowledging the PSG supporters.

On his way to the home dressing room, Neymar allegedly kicked out at the base of a camera, but Tuchel rejected suggestions that he had been disrespectful.

“It is normal,” the coach told his postmatch news conference. “Perhaps Neymar wanted just one last chance to win.

“It was totally emotional. The referee blew his whistle and it was an emotional reaction, but not a lack of respect.

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“Neymar was not happy — he wanted to win. He is a player who wants to win. It is not a lack of respect, not at all.”

Neymar, along with Thomas Meunier, was given permission to miss Saturday’s 5-0 win over Amiens to rest for the Napoli game, but Tuchel’s side twice had to come from a goal down.

He picked up a knock early on when he and Edinson Cavani went for the same ball and was forced off the pitch to receive treatment before returning to the action.

Sporting Tribune

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