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Trouble in Paris: PSG’s issues mount

Another week of tension in the French capital as PSG move closer to clinching their 11th Ligue 1 title.

Andrés Onrubia
Andrés Onrubia
Paris (France), 13/05/2023.- Paris Saint Germain's Lionel Messi in action during the French Ligue 1 soccer match between PSG and AC Ajaccio at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France, 13 May 2023. (Francia) EFE/EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON
CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSONEFE

What should be a celebration for being on the verge of winning another league title, off-field problems continue to overshadow the on-field victories at PSG. Winning the league is not enough for the club, in a league they dominate at will and in which they can afford to play at half-strength because there is no one to overtake them.

With their victory over Ajaccio on Saturday, the Parisians have all but secured the Ligue 1 title. Barring an absolute disaster, and dropping points in their three remaining matches, Galtier’s men will be champions, bringing to an end a season that has once again been one to forget.

Trouble in Paris: PSG’s issues mount
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Ultras against Messi

The club’s ultras, who met last week with PSG’s management, are unhappy with the club at all levels, and continue to whistle Lionel Messi. The Argentinian was back on the pitch after the club lifted a two-week suspension for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. PSG’s forgiveness was not enough for a group of fans in the Virage Auteuil, whose boos were, at times, answered by applause from the rest of the stadium.

Tension has returned to Paris, a city that looks beautiful on the outside but is full of anguish on the inside. PSG could be crowned champions if they beat Auxerre and it will be without their ultras, who are calling for the resignation of the club’s directors and hoping for an internal revolution in the summer, even more so after their recent Champions League disappointments. The club is aware that a change, promised since Kylian Mbappé's renewal, is necessary, so the coming months are expected to be intense on the banks of the River Seine.

Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Paris St Germain v Ajaccio - Parc des Princes, Paris, France - May 13, 2023 Paris St Germain's Lionel Messi and Marco Verratti REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
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Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Paris St Germain v Ajaccio - Parc des Princes, Paris, France - May 13, 2023 Paris St Germain's Lionel Messi and Marco Verratti REUTERS/Christian HartmannCHRISTIAN HARTMANNREUTERS

Achraf Hakimi sent off

Despite the 5-0 thrashing of Ajaccio, the game became difficult for PSG in the latter stages. After a tough tackle on Messi, Achraf Hakimi went to defend his team-mate and ended up being sent off straight after slapping Mangani, who was also shown a red card. In the tunnel, the Canal Plus cameras caught the Moroccan criticising the refereeing and saying, “this is France”.