Neymar can make Rio Carnival after seeing red in PSG win
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar could make Rio Carnival after all… after being sent off at the conclusion of a thrilling 4-3 victory over Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes.
The 28-year-old was set to miss the Brazilian bash for the first time in SIX years, but his stoppage-time second yellow card means he could still join the festivities.
The Rio Carnival began on Friday, but doesn’t finish until Wednesday – giving Neymar a few days to potentially go and celebrate with his sister and friends.
Having joined Barcelona from Santos in 2013, his oddball run began with matching one-game bans in 2015 and 2016.
That unfortunate coincidence was ended the following year… when muscular problems kept him out of on-field action instead.
And in his first two seasons with PSG he suffered metatarsal injuries.
An anticipated one-game ban, however, will not be enough for Neymar to make his annual appearance at sister Rafaella’s birthday party on March 11, when he will instead by facing Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
The latest incident came at the conclusion of what was a mesmerising occasion in the French capital.
Thomas Tuchel’s side, who were beaten 2-1 by Dortmund in mid-week, fell behind for the second consecutive Ligue 1 match when Hwang Ui-jo put Bordeaux in front.
Edinson Cavani quickly equalised for the Parisians, the Uruguayan notching his 200th goal in his glittering career for the club in front of his adoring fans.
Marquinhos then nodded PSG into what they thought would be a half-time lead two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first period.
But they immediately conspired to concede a farcical equaliser, when goalkeeper Sergio Rico booted Marco Verratti’s backpass straight at Pablo, who couldn’t believe his luck as the ball ricocheted straight into the unguarded net.
Marquinhos then scored again to restore his side’s lead on 63 minutes, before Kylian Mbappe appeared to make the points safe six minutes later for 4-2.
Substitute Ruben Pardo set up a grandstand finish, however, when he pulled one back seven minutes from time.
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Fellow replacement Mauro Icardi also thought he’d gotten in on the act in stoppage time of this bonkers encounter – but was denied by VAR for a narrow offside call.
Neymar then picked up his second booking for a late challenge on Pardo, sarcastically clapping as he made his way off the pitch before ripping his shirt off in disgust.
He will now miss next weekend’s clash with Dijon, as his curious record of absence around this time of year continues in 2020.