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'In tears': Football world divided over 'petty' Neymar reaction

A distraught Neymar is seen being consoled after PSG's Champions League final defeat.
Neymar was in tears after PSG's loss to Bayern in the Champions League final. Pic: Getty

Neymar has a reputation as one of world football’s most polarising stars and his reaction to Paris Saint-Germain’s heartbreaking Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich has divided fans.

The Brazilian was reduced to tears after his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to the German giants in the Lisbon final.

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The Ligue 1 champions succumbed to their German opponents due to a Kingsley Coman header shortly before the hour mark, and Neymar was unable to inspire a comeback as Bayern kept the French outfit at bay.

The 28-year-old - who was consoled in the dugout by sporting director Leonardo at full-time - had one of the outstanding opportunities in the opening period of the game but was denied by an incredible double save from Manuel Neuer in the Bayern goal.

The German shot-stopper also saved from a tame Kylian Mbappe effort before the break.

The heartbreaking defeat leaves Neymar sitting on a single Champions League success title from when he was a member of the Barcelona squad that defeated Juventus 3-1 in 2015.

Neymar famously left Barcelona in 2017 in what was a world-record move to PSG and has been seeking to justify that momentous decision by writing himself into the history of the Parc des Princes side, by winning European football’s biggest prize as well as claiming individual honours for himself.

A divisive character throughout his career, he has been winning plaudits in recent months for a more mature and focused approach to the game, which critics believe is bringing the best out of his game for the team.

However, the Brazilian’s reputation for play-acting has consistently seen him targeted by rival football fans who seem to take delight in his misfortune.

It should come as little surprise then that the images of the Brazilian in tears after the final whistle had contrasting impacts on viewers, with many fans fuming about the savage mockery on social media.

Wait continues for Neymar, PSG in Europe

Previous tilts at the European Cup have ended in disappointment for Neymar, who suffered foot injuries, which prevented him from featuring in vital matches against Real Madrid and Manchester United.

This was PSG’s best ever run in the competition, overcoming Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta and RB Leipzig in the knockout stages before failing at the final hurdle.

It marks the end of a long season for Neymar, who played 26 times over the course of an injury-hit campaign and scored 19 goals while creating 12 more.

Thoughts will have to quickly turn back towards their Ligue 1 title defence, with the French top flight having started over the weekend.

PSG’s first domestic match of the 2020-21 season will come next Saturday, when they travel to newly-promoted Lens, while a derby with Marseille follows after the September international break.

with agencies