Neymar defends showboating and pretend handshake in PSG win over Rennes

Neymar defends showboating and pretend handshake in PSG win over Rennes Brazilian superstars Neymar ignited a controversy in Paris Saint Germain’s last match against Rennes when he extended his hand to an opposition player, Hamari Traore, who had fallen to the ground, but pulled it back. Defending the unsportsmanlike gesture, Neymar questioned what was wrong with it if he does the same thing with his friends. After PSG won the match 3-2, Neymar said, “Football is a little boring right now because we can’t do anything. Everything is controversial. For example, I made a joke at the end by offering my hand and then pulling it away. It will cause controversy when it’s the kind of thing I do with my friends. Why can’t I do it with opponents? It was a joke.”Neymar was accused of showboating during the match and after picking up a late booking for a foul, went to help Traore to his feet but instead removed his hand before making contact. The match also saw the Brazilian controlling the ball on his back, scooping the ball over an opponent and trying various flicks and tricks. Dismissing suggestion that he was showing off, Neymar said, “They were stopping me with blows and I was playing football. They provoked me, but I also know how to provoke, in my own way, with the ball and with my football.” “I’m not here to kick out, I don’t know how to do that. I defend myself with the ball. It won’t help if defenders provoke me because I will provoke even more. I know people will speak about the incident, but they should put themselves in my shoes. I am going to make my team win. PSG won the match 3-2.” Rennes were clearly unimpressed by Neymar’s behaviour, and pointed out that one of their players went off injured when fouled by the Kylian Mbappe, who was sent off. “You are a great player but who had to go off injured following a major foul?” Rennes asked Neymar via Twitter. “A Rennes player, Ismaila Sarr, who has already missed three months of action because of another nasty gesture…” Next up for PSG is a trip to Lille in Ligue 1 this weekend before Ligue 2 outfit Sochaux away in the Coupe de France round of 16 next week, which promises to be a similarly rough outing to the one Neymar experienced in Rennes.]]>