PSG tighten security for players following fans unrest

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :May 5, 2023 at 4:51 AM

Modified at :May 5, 2023 at 8:31 PM

PSG tighten security for players following fans unrest

Following fan protests PSG have beefed up safety at Lionel Messi, Verratti and Neymar's home

After fan demonstrations, Paris Saint-Germain have increased security at the residences of Lionel Messi, Marco Verratti, and Neymar.

The Ligue 1 team have been eliminated from the Champions League after losing three of their last six league contests. On Wednesday, fans gathered in front of Neymar's Paris residence and yelled for him to leave the club.

Statement from the club

"Paris St-Germain condemns in the strongest possible terms the unacceptable and insulting actions," the club said in a statement,

"Whatever the differences of opinion, nothing justifies such behaviour," it added.

While Neymar, 31, is injured, Argentina's Messi, 35, will leave PSG when his contract with the club expires in the summer.

Due to an ankle injury, the Brazil international was declared out for the remainder of the campaign in March. And due to his unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Messi was given a two-week suspension by PSG.

It came after PSG's loss to Lorient at home, which cut their lead atop Ligue 1 to five points with five games left.

On Wednesday, many PSG supporters assembled in front of the club's headquarters to abuse Messi, Neymar, and Italian international Marco Verratti. Afterwards, some headed to Neymar's house.

The club has increased protection at Messi, Neymar, Verratti, and manager Christophe Galtier's residences and additionally, at the club's practice facility as a result of the fans' actions. When questioned about security precautions, the club declined to respond.

Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.