Neymar is at risk of being banned for the Champions League final after breaking coronavirus rules
Monday, December 04, 2023
The Brazil forward might face disciplinary action from UEFA when flouting health and safety recommendations brought in to protect against Covid-19.
PSG fans worry Neymar may miss the Champions League final when he swapped shirts with an opponent after Tuesday night’s success against Rb Leipzig.
The Brazilian star was seen swapping shirts with Leipzig defender Marcel Halstenberg at the full-time whistle in Lisboa.
While this is often a typical tradition in soccer, UEFA presently advises against it as a part of its makes an attempt to protect against the unfold of coronavirus.
European football’s administration introduced strict ‘return to play’ protocols for the Champions League and Europa League last month to make sure the 2 tournaments might be completed safely.
The 31-page document outlines intensive health and safety measures together with regular testing, dedicated zones for players, workers and media inside the stadiums and therefore the wearing of face masks.
Also enclosed within the protocols was recommendation on shirt-swapping, that explicit that “players are suggested to refrain from swapping their shirts”.
The document doesn't expressly state what the penalization would be for shirt swapping, although it will say that “non-compliance with the obligations started within the UEFA Protocol might cause disciplinary measures in accordance with the UEFA Disciplinary rules.”
PSG supporters worry those disciplinary measures may embrace a ban, which might rule Neymar out of Sunday’s showpiece final against either Bayern Munich or Lyon.
The 28-year-old might also be forced to self-isolate for fourteen days to protect against the danger of possible infection, that once more would see him sit out Sunday’s game.
That has clearly got fans of the French champions involved, as they ponder the prospect of their side being while not their supernatural forward for one in all the most important matches within the club’s history.
Prior to his shirt-swapping transgression, Neymar was inspirational as PSG breezed past Leipzig 3-0. the previous Barcelona forward’s clever flick teed up Angel Di Maria to get PSG’s second goal, when defender Marquinhos had headed Thomas Tuchel’s aspect into associate degree early lead.