Lille Defender Tiago Djalo Claims Neymar 'Threw Tape In My Face' During Heated Tunnel Bust-Up

Posted Wednesday, April 07, 2021 by sportbible

Lille defender Tiago Djalo has hit out at Neymar for lacking respect and accused him of throwing tape in his face during their heated tunnel altercation.

Neymar, 29, was sent off in Paris Saint-Germain's 1-0 defeat on Saturday as he shockingly shoved the 20-year-old Portuguese centre-back after an initial foul.

Djalo was also dismissed from the pitch as his side secured a crucial three points at the Parc des Princes in a nail-biting Ligue 1 title race.

However, Neymar and Djalo's rivalry spilled over as the pair entered into a heated war of words as they left the pitch.

PSG star Neymar appeared to provoke the Lille player in the tunnel as they were both separated by personnel to avoid any further altercations.

Djalo has now broken his silence over the incident and insisted that he chose to 'ignore' what the PSG superstar was saying to him.

However, the former Sporting CP player also blasted the media as he claimed that they "always end up favouring the most media-friendly players."

Djalo told Portuguese newspaper A Bola: "In the dressing room tunnel, he said things to me that I ignored. He even threw tape [that is wrapped around players' ankles] in my face.

"What did he say? I don't know, but they weren't good things. It is part of the game, but it is what Neymar lacks, a little more respect. Neymar needs to have more respect.

"The media? They have a share of responsibility. They always end up favouring the most media-friendly players, who end up by being more protected."

PSG's 1-0 defeat leaves them three points behind Lille in the Ligue 1 title race.

The defending French champions will now resume their Champions League campaign as they travel to the Allianz Arena for their first-leg clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Mauricio Pochettino's men will then continue their domestic campaign on Sunday as they travel to the La Meinau for their clash with Strasbourg.