Neymar banned for two matches after taking part in brawl against Marseille

Prolific footballer of Paris Saint Germain Neymar has been banned for two matches after he took part in the brawl at the end of the Ligue 1 game against Marseille.

The French league has also announced it would open an investigation into accusations of racism by the Brazilian against Alvaro Gonzalez.

Neymar was sent off for slapping Gonzalez on the back of the head and accused the Spaniard of calling him a “monkey”. Gonzalez denies the allegation.

“We know there was an exchange of words. But right now, there isn’t enough certainty to call in the players,” said Sebastien Deneux, president of the disciplinary commission.

He said the investigation would study the footage further to determine whether there was enough evidence to substantiate the claims of racist abuse.

Angel Di Maria of Paris Saint Germain will also appear before a disciplinary committee on September 23.

Neymar was heard on pitchside microphones informing the fourth official he had heard a racist comment while walking off the pitch and later accused Gonzalez of racism

The suspension adds to a growing list served by Neymar since his arrival in Paris in 2017 as the world’s most expensive football.

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He was banned for three games by UEFA — eventually reduced to two — following a foul-mouthed rant at officials following PSG’s Champions League exit at the hands of Manchester United in March 2019.

A couple months later he lashed out at a Rennes supporter following PSG’s defeat on penalties in the French Cup final, earning himself a three-match ban from the French FA.

Neymar was also sent off in a 2-2 draw against Marseille in October 2017 for two petulant yellow cards late in the game.

Richest Footballer

Brazilian Forward Neymar was named in the top 5 richest footballers in the world with the earnings of ($96m, £74.7m).

Argentine Striker Lionel Messi came out on top with total earnings of $126m (£98m), split between $92m (£71.6m) in salary and $34m (£26.4m) in endorsements.

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Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid came in second with earnings of $117m (£91m) combined with his status as the most followed footballer in the world on social media.

Mohamed Salah in fifth ($37m, £28.8m), Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba ($34m, £26.4m) in sixth.