PSG players were forced to issue a grovelling apology for abusive chants only days before their Champions League match against Newcastle United.
Four PSG players were forced to deliver grovelling apologies only days before their trip to Newcastle United after being caught on camera signing a disrespectful song to Marseille fans last month. Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, Layvin Kurzawa, and Achraf Hakimi, all key players for Luis Enrique’s side, were seen participating in a derogatory song directed towards Marseille fans during the 4-0 victory at the Parc des Princes on September 24.
The four players will face before the French football league’s disciplinary committee on Thursday, once they return to France from their Champions League match against Newcastle. As a result, the four players could face sanctions, including suspensions.
It is unclear whether any punishment would be limited to domestic fixtures or would apply to all competitions, with Newcastle meeting PSG in the rematch in November. Over the weekend, the four players implicated issued identical apologies.
“We let ourselves get carried away by the euphoria, and we sincerely regret the words we should not have said and would like to apologise,” the apology continued. “We are well aware of the impact of our actions and words on the public, particularly the young who aspire to watch a football match.” In the future, we will do all possible to uphold our obligation to lead by example.”
Throughout the derby, homophobic and abusive chants could be heard from PSG fans, with the French government, represented by Minister for Sport Amelie Oudea-Castera, expressing concern after the game.
“It is unthinkable to remain deaf to such hateful and homophobic chants in our stands,” she stated. “Whatever the rivalry and the stakes, they must be fought relentlessly by the supporters, the players in the competition, the authorities and the public authorities.”
PSG’s Ligue 1 form should give Newcastle further confidence ahead of this week’s meeting, with Enrique’s team winning only three of their first seven league games. On Saturday, Kylian Mbappe and company were held to a 0-0 tie by 17th-place Clermont Foot.
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