Neymar facing criticism after attending late-night poker tournament amidst PSG troubles

Neymar has come under fire at Paris Saint-Germain again after he was pictured attending a poker tournament at the Hyatt Regency in Paris.

According to RMC Sport, he made two appearances at the tournament on Wednesday evening, a night after PSG’s 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in their round of 16 Champions League clash.

The timing is horrible because PSG players have received criticism for underperforming in 2023. Les Parisiens have already lost five times this year.

The Ligue 1 champions have lost their last three games on the bounce, including to bitter rivals AS Monaco. Presnel Kimpembe had to speak to the fans following the loss.

The latest loss to the Bavarians would not have helped the mood around the club.

Kylian Mbappe had urged his teammates to eat and sleep right ahead of the return leg. However, his attacking partner was not on the same wavelength.

Neymar’s actions will not help his already tense relationship with the club’s hierarchy who tried to sell him this summer. The club had put him up for sale on the recommendation of Mbappe.

However, Neymar stayed and started the season in pristine form, leading the league for goals at one point. His form led to plenty of positivity around him.

But when the poor results start to creep in, and PSG’s mentality is scrutinised again, Neymar’s outing at odd hours will leave a sour taste.

There were recent reports that the partying at Neymar’s Bougival villa annoyed his neighbours.

He celebrated his 31st birthday on February 5 with a massive party at his five-storey house close to the centre of Paris. Bougival Mayor Luc Wattelle has complained publicly about the noise from his home.

PSG fans will question whether players like Neymar are giving everything to help improve the club’s form.

They have a five-point lead in the league, but they are out of the cup and travel to Germany on March 8 with a 1-0 deficit. They could be out of the Champions League soon.

It is unclear if Neymar was out beyond club-recommended hours. If he was, punishments could follow.

But even if Neymar was not breaking club rules, reports of late-night outings and partying during this trying time for PSG will not help the fans’ opinions of the Brazil international.