Neymar admits that he regrets the fact he “acted like a fool” to earn a red card on Sunday, but the Paris Saint-Germain star that said that it is important that those in power reflect on the role of racism in sport following Sunday’s clash with Alvaro Gonzalez.

The PSG star accused Gonzalez of racism following Sunday’s defeat, one which saw a total of five players sent off for their roles in a late-game melee. Neymar took to Twitter after the match to say that his only regret was “not hitting that asshole in the face”, while Gonzalez responded by denying that he racially abused the Brazilian star.

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PSG has since backed Neymar, who released a lengthy statement on Monday adding that he does now regret how he escalated the situation. “Yesterday I revolted. I was punished with red because I wanted to hit someone who offended me,” Neymar said. 

“I thought I could not leave without doing something because I realized that those in charge would not do anything, did not notice or ignored the fact. During the game, I wanted to answer as always: playing football. The facts showed that I did not succeed. I revolted…

“In our sport, aggressions, insults, swearing are part of the game, of the dispute. You can’t be affectionate. I understand this guy partly, all are part of the game, but racism and intolerance are unacceptable.

“I am black, son of black, grandson and great-grandson of black also. I am proud and do not see myself as different from anyone. Yesterday, I wanted those in charge of the game (referees, assistants) to position themselves impartially and to understand that there is no longer such a place for a prejudiced attitude.

“Reflecting and seeing all the manifestation of what happened, I am saddened by the feeling of hatred that we can provoke when, in the heat of the moment, we snap. “Should I have ignored it? I don’t know yet… Today, with a cool head, I say yes, but in due course, my companions and I asked the referees for help and we were ignored. That’s the point!

“We who are involved in entertainment need to reflect. The action led to a reaction and got where it did. I accept my punishment because I should have followed the path of clean football. I hope, on the other hand, that the offender will also be punished. “Racism exists. It exists, but we have to stop it. No more. Enough!

“The guy was a fool. I also acted like a fool for letting me get involved in that… I still have the privilege of keeping my head up today, but we all need to reflect that not all black and white people are in the same condition. 

“The damage from the confrontation can be disastrous to both sides. Whether you are black or white, I don’t want to and we shouldn’t mix subjects. Skin color we don’t choose. Before God, we are all equal. Now, yesterday, I lost in the game and I lacked wisdom. Being in the center of this situation or ignoring a racist act will not help. I know. But pacifying this ‘anti-racism’ movement is our obligation so that the less privileged will naturally receive their defense. 

“We will meet again and it will be my way: playing football. Stay in peace! Stay in Peace! You know what you said… I know what I did. More love for the world. “PSG have lost each of their first two Ligue 1 matches and will face Metz on Wednesday.

Goal.com