LFP Decides Not to Hand Out Suspensions to Neymar and Alvaro Gonzalez

Marseille's Spanish defender Alvara Gonzalez argues with Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar (L) during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Marseille (OM) at the Parc de Princes stadium in Paris on September 13, 2020. - Neymar said he "acted like a fool" following his red card against Marseille but called on football officials to do more to combat discrimination after accusing Spanish defender Alvaro Gonzalez of racism. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

The Ligue de Football Professionnel has decided not to hand out suspensions to Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar and Olympique de Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez, the organization announced on its official website.

The LFP investigated Neymar’s allegation that Gonzalez racially abused him during the tense-filled Le Classique fixture earlier this month. Neymar was clear during and after the fixture that Gonzalez directed a racist remark at him. Thus, the LFP decided to open an investigation and hold a meeting to further investigate the matter and also examine whether Neymar directed any offensive remarks at Gonzalez.

Following the LFP’s investigation and hearing from both players, the organization decided that it did not have “sufficient convincing evidence” to push for a suspension or any disciplinary measure against either of the two players. Thus, the LFP decided to close its investigation and also not sanction PSG and Marseille.

It remains to be seen whether either club will push to appeal the LFP’s decision or if there will be a call to reopen the investigation down the road if new evidence emerges. PSG and Marseille were each transparent in support of their respective player following the incident, so it will also be interesting to see whether both plan to accept the LFP’s decision or if either will call for a possible independent investigation. But for now, both players will continue to feature for their teams and not face any lengthy break in action.

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Tags Álvaro González LFP Marseille Neymar
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