Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has hit out at the club’s ultras ongoing protests following their elimination from the Champions League last month.
It followed their major protest at a Ligue 1 clash against Rennes in which they blasted the 'overpaid mercenaries' on their books and attacked the board. There were over 20 banners unveiled by the ultras which were a direct attack on the club's hierarchy and playing staff. One of their multiple banners explained in that clash, in a message to their players: "A half to prove our discontent. How many will it take to prove your commitment?" In an even stronger message, the ultras held up the line: "They also choose their matches. We'll do the same."
Last month, PSG fans booed Lionel Messi and Neymar during the club's first Ligue 1 match after they were eliminated from the Champions League in last month's Round of 16 tie against Real Madrid. The two South American superstars were booed with every touch of the ball by PSG fans during a league meeting against Bordeaux. Those boos came just a day after PSG ultras called on president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to resign following the latest European humbling for their club.
Fans have become frustrated with PSG's continued failings in Europe's premier club competition – they have not tasted success in the Champions League despite securing their major Qatar-backed takeover in 2011. That has carried on during Ligue 1 matches and was again evident in Sunday night's victory over rivals Marseille – goals from Neymar and Kylian Mbappe giving Mauricio Pochettino’s side a hard-fought 2-1 win.
French football authorities had banned Marseille fans from the game over concerns of possible violence, a recurring them in France in recent months. Meanwhile, the PSG ultras have made the decision to stay in total silence during matches as a form of protest against their club's ownership. PSG's win took them to the brink of the Ligue 1 title – they are 15 points clear of second-placed Marseille with six rounds of action remaining.
Marquinhos told Prime Video, in quotes carried by GFFN: "I wasn't expecting it. It wasn't the right time to do that. I understand if they haven't gotten a response. They should have put their pride to one side. As a player, I don't agree with it."
Nasser Al-Khelaifi became the new president and CEO of PSG in October 2011 and despite a multitude of domestic trophies the club have yet to find success on the European stage. Their best performance in the competition was in the 2019/20 campaign, when they reached the final under Thomas Tuchel but fell short in the final against Bayern Munich.
