Why doesn’t Neymar get more respect? How long have you got? Here is why Celtic fans will never respect the world-class player.
Neymar is an incredibly skillful player, but doesn’t carry a lot of respect, grudging or otherwise from Celtic supporters. He’s certainly not a favourite of Hoops fans and did nothing to change minds or win hearts when playing against them for Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
During the game he showed his class and skill almost immediately with a beautiful through ball to Mbappe in the first minute goal assist. He then spent time complaining to the referee, niggling at players, a swipe kick at Nir Bitton’s heels was worthy of a yellow in most games but got overlooked in a friendly.
The Daily Record talks of a furious bust up with Neil Lennon on the touch line in Tuesday’s friendly. A few words from Lennon about a soft free kick saw Neymar scuffling and being held back by a couple of team mates, Leandro Paredes and Mitchel Bakker when he reacted in the Celtic managers direction. That seems like no contest had he actually got close to Lennon. And all that was just in the first half, he was rested for the second half.
Celtic fans have long memories from previous matches against Neymar both when with FC Barcelona and PSG. His niggling antics on the pitch have included overreacting to Scott Brown leading to a red card for the Hoops skipper.
And then in 2017 a running spat with Tony Ralston when playing for Barcelona against the Hoops. That’s fine as part of a game, but what sort of player refuses to shake hands with a youngster opponent at the end of the game like Neymar did. Mikael Lustig had plenty to say after that match about Neymar’s antics in the Daily Record.
"Lustig insists Neymar will never win hearts and minds like Messi after being booked for simulation and disregarding the full-time pleasantries."
With his reputation going before him, Neymar was unlikely to see a Celtic fan love in for his talents for the latest match. On Twitter there were many comments about him far stronger than those below and with wording unrepeatable here,
I’ve tried to stand up for him saying he was young but no excuse now. He’s supposed to be a mature guy. I never understand why when you’re brilliant footballer you have to act like that. Don’t see messi carrying on that way xx
— pat gow 🍀🍀🍀🏴 (@ticgran) July 21, 2020
Neymar remains a class player, his goals and wins record against Celtic is phenomenal, he should be feared and respected by Celtic fans for that. Players like Messi and Xavi were applauded off the Parkhead pitch. Neymar’s manner and demeanour overall and especially against Celtic make that impossible.