SOCCER
Messi whistled by PSG ultras over Champions League failure
The Argentine star was whistled by PSG fans though others applauded at the Parc des Princes when the line-ups were announced.
One year on, in a scenario similar to that of PSG’s debacle at the Bernabéu, Leo Messi was once again given a hostile reception by the PSG ultras, before the match against Rennes. The Virage Auteuil greeted him with a resounding barrage of whistles on the two occasions when the announcer at the Parc des Princes announced the line-ups over the public address system. The PSG fans, and in particular the ultras, are not ready to forgive the fact that the club, since announcing Messi’s spectacular signing, has been knocked out twice in a row in the Champions League round of 16, the most recent failure against Bayern.
Some fans applaud Messi
The whistles at Messi, however, were not across the board, with a significant part of the stadium - mainly the three areas not occupied by the ultras - applauding Messi’s name when announced by the speaker. The Argentinean has not yet renewed his contract with PSG, although the negotiations are ongoing and for PSG’s Qatari owners his continuation at the club is a priority.
Another of those who was whistled by the PSG fans was Christophe Galtier. The 56-year-old coach is being blamed for the elimination against Bayern in the round of 16 of the Champions League League and there are serious doubts as to whether he will still be at the club next season.
However Mbappé, who received the award for February’s player of the month was loudly cheered by the Parc des Princes faithful ahead of the game against Rennes.