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Opinions are split over Neymar’s actions during win against Rennes

Neymar was at his brilliant showboating best during PSG's 3-2 win against Rennes in the French League Cup, but not everyone enjoyed it

Another day, another bit of controversy for Neymar.

This time it took place during the semi-final of the French League Cup between PSG and Rennes.

With PSG leading 3-1 and Rennes down to ten men the ball got fizzed out to Neymar.


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The magic man

Getty - Contributor
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The magic man

Most players would have taken the ball down and sprinted towards the corner flag.

But Neymar isn’t most players.

The Brazilian controlled the ball with his back before flicking it over an oncoming defender’s head.

However the Rennes player didn’t see the funny side, hacking Neymar down to spark an angry reaction from both sides.

The 25-year-old wasn’t finished there though.

Minutes later, after Rennes had pulled a goal back to make it 3-2, Neymar was booked for kicking the ball away.

He went over to help pick the defender up that he’d fouled, but gave him the ol’ fake and pulled his hand back at the last second.

Ballsy, given he’d just been booked.

Opinion was split over whether Neymar’s showboating was a joyous show of skill that should be applauded or needles taunting of the opposition.

But what about the man himself?

Speaking after the game, Neymar said: “I think that football is getting boring because we cannot do anything.

“Everything is contentious. At the end, I made a joke by giving my hand to my opponent and then pulling it away.

“Everyone will make a scene and say nonsense. If I do this with my colleagues and friends then why can’t I do it with my opponents?

“We talked a lot during the game and in the end I laughed and ended up playing with him on the pitch. It was a joke but they will put controversy on it.

“That’s why sometimes I say football is kind of boring sometimes.”

This is no time for basketball

AFP
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This is no time for basketball

You’ve got to feel for Neymar.

If Ronaldinho had done the same what would the reaction have been?

It’s probably not worth copying him in Sunday League though, unless you’ve got titanium shin pads on.


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