On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, PSG fans protested outside Neymar’s (a Brazilian professional footballer who also plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain) house and targeted Lionel Messi (an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain) in angry chants.

Following the club’s decision to suspend Messi for two weeks following an illegal trip to Saudi Arabia when he was scheduled to train with his team following their 3:1 league loss at home to Lorient on Sunday, angry fans who were infuriated at the club’s decision ignited an internal fire within fans. Additionally, fans let their displeasure be known by protesting outside the club’s Paris headquarters, where clips posted online show the angry fans lighting flares and holding banners calling for the owners to resign.

However, aside from the club receiving backlash from angry fans and protesters, Messi also got his fair share of hate and abuse from angry fans chanting, “Messi, son of a ***, outside of PSG headquarters. PSG fans were loud in their dissatisfaction with not only Messi but also with the club’s overall direction and the apparent emphasis on celebrity and business. Moreover, supporters also marched outside to protest outside Neymar’s house.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Christophe Galtier criticized his fans for protesting outside Neymar’s house and stated that he had nothing to do with Lionel Messi’s suspension. Furthermore, the club’s recent performance in the Champions League after they lost has been another cause for concern for fans. Galtier’s team was unbeaten in all competitions until December but has since lost nine games, with fans yelling for Neymar’s removal outside his home this week. PSG took their time to react to the events before publishing a statement that condemned the ultras’ “intolerable, insulting, and shameful” behavior: “PSG most strongly condemns the intolerable and insulting actions of a small group of individuals that took place on Wednesday,” read a club communiqué. “Whatever the differences of opinion, nothing justifies such actions. The club gives its full support to its players, its staff, and all those targeted by such shameful behavior.”

Furthermore, following the club’s statement, PSG manager Christophe Galteir also released a statement in which he said, “I can understand their anger and their disappointment.” “I can understand their anger and their disappointment,” said Galtier on Friday, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Troyes. “They can protest in front of here, where we work, or the club’s headquarters, or after a match. However, I do not accept them going directly to a player’s home.