Neymar to miss PSG’s French Cup final against Monaco due to suspension

Paris Saint-Germain will be without their talisman Neymar for the Coupe de France final against Monaco on May 19.

The 29-year-old picked up a yellow card during his side’s semi-final win on penalties against Montpellier this week — his third booking in 10 days — and the league’s disciplinary committee has now confirmed his suspension for the final.

The Brazil international, who signed a contract extension to remain in Paris until 2025 last week, has scored 16 goals along with 10 assists for his club in 29 appearances this season.

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What has been said?

A press release from the FFF’s Federal Disciplinary Commission read: “At its meeting today, the Federal Disciplinary Commission decided to impose a suspension match on player Neymar Da Silva Santos Junior of Paris Saint-Germain, by revocation of the suspension following his warning received during the semi-final of the Coupe de France on May 12, 2021.

“This sanction takes effect from Monday, May 17, 2021.”

What happened?

With the scores level at 2-2 on Wednesday night, Neymar came off the bench in the 86th to help his side search for a winner.

After just four minutes on the pitch, however, the forward was controversially booked.

He went on to score an important spot kick, as his side recorded a 6-5 victory on penalties, but will not play a part in the final.

So, why is Neymar suspended?

In France, an accumulation of three yellow cards leads to a suspension. Unlike red card bans, however, the suspension does not apply automatically. Instead, the suspension is only confirmed after consideration by the French football federation’s disciplinary commission.

With the committee holding its meeting during the week, Neymar’s suspension has now come into force and will apply for his side’s final at the Stade de France.

Has Neymar responded?

After the match, Neymar took to Instagram to express his opinions towards referee Jeremie Pignard.

“I play five minutes, I commit a foul and he gives me a yellow without even thinking,” the Brazil international wrote.

“Thank you for suspending me for the final. I think it was personal.”

How has the season gone for PSG?

A season that was initially filled with promise is looking to peter out with a tinge of disappointment.

PSG were unable to match last season’s European heroics of reaching the Champions League final, as they were knocked out a round earlier by Manchester City.

They are also on the verge of letting their Ligue 1 title slip, as they trail leaders Lille by 3 points heading into the final two games of the season.

Therefore, for a side that has become accustomed to lifting trophies over the last decade, the French Cup could be their last chance to taste further silverware this season, having only lifted the French Super Cup in January.

(Photo: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)