October 22: Barcelona have reported Paris Saint-Germain to UEFA over a tifo they say “incites violence and hatred in sport”, on a night that also cost PSG Khvicha Kvaratskhelia the rest of the season.
Before kick-off at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, PSG fans behind a goal displayed a banner showing a masked figure in a PSG shirt destroying the Barcelona crest with a chainsaw covered in blood, above the words “massacre, Parisian style” in French. Other explicit banners appeared during the game.
“These images were deeply disturbing and conveyed a message that incites violence and hatred in sport,” said Barcelona. “We consider this type of images and language to be unacceptable, as they go against the values of respect, fair play and sportsmanship that must be upheld in football.”
According to Article 16 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations, using any medium “to convey a provocative message that is not suitable for a sporting event” can lead to sanctions, including a €10,000 fine for a first offence.
PSG won 4-2 to end Barcelona’s 100% start to the Champions League, but the result came at a cost. Kvaratskhelia tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after colliding with Barcelona’s Xavi Espart in the 59th minute and was withdrawn.
“After suffering a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during yesterday’s match against FC Barcelona, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will undergo surgery in the coming days,” PSG said.
The club did not give a timeline, but ACL injuries usually mean at least nine months out, leaving the 25-year-old Georgia international with little chance of playing again this season.
It’s a big blow for the Champions League champions. Kvaratskhelia has been one of the most important players in Luis Enrique’s side since joining from Napoli, and his pace and creativity down the left will be hard to replace as PSG look to win the competition for a third consecutive year.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at (email protected)
