UEFA opens proceedings against PSG chiefs Al-Khelaifi and Leonardo
UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against PSG chiefs Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Leonardo after their ‘furious tirade’ at the referee following the Ligue 1 side’s Champions League exit against Real Madrid
- UEFA have opened an investigation into Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Leonardo
- The PSG chiefs were reportedly furious after their side’s defeat to Real Madrid
- They both entered the referee’s dressing room in the aftermath of the loss
UEFA has lauched a probe into the behaviour of PSG chiefs Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Leonardo in the aftermath of their 3-1 Champions League last-16 defeat against Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
The pair came under fire following reports they had embarked on a ‘furious tirade’ after the final whistle – with PSG having blown a 2-0 lead at the Bernabeu thanks to Karim Benzema’s hat-trick – following a 1-0 first leg advantage.
And the two PSG directors were furious with the officials – particularly displeased about the first of Benzema’s three goals, with the team feeling the Frenchman should have been penalised for a foul on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the build-up.
UEFA have opened proceedings into PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi (C) and director Leonardo (R) in the aftermath of their Champions League exit
The Ligue 1 club felt that Gianluigi Donnarumma had been fouled in the build up to first goal
It was Al-Khelaifi’s behaviour that came under the microscope after full time – with the Qatari seen chasing after match referee Danny Makkelie through the corridors, according to Marca.
The incident was described as ‘frankly unpleasant’ by reporter Monica Marchante, according to El Partidazo de COPE.
Reports from L’Equipe, suggest an excerpt from the referees’ report sent by UEFA quoted by Onda Cero, Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Leonardo: ‘Behaved aggressively and tried to enter the referee’s dressing room.
‘When the referee asked them to leave, the president hit a piece of the assistant’s equipment, breaking it.’
PSG president Al-Khelaifi reportedly went on a furious rampage after the French side’s Champions League exit
The PSG president, along with sporting director Leonardo reportedly ended up storming the wrong room; instead coming face to face with Real Madrid delegate, Mejia Devila.
According to Diario AS, a Madrid employee recorded the incident with his mobile, Al Khelaifi noticed it and hit his phone threatening: ‘I’m going to kill you.’
In the end, it was reported that PSG sent a protocol employee from the French club to apologise to the referees and Real Madrid.
Sportsmail understands that Al Khelaifi did attempt to visit the referee after the game. The club have not commented on reports of an altercation.
Leonardo and Al-Khelaifi are desperate to win the Champions League with PSG, with Mauricio Pochettino’s future now in question
The matter will now be referred to UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, who will make a decision in due course.
After the game, Leonardo said it was important not to ‘throw everything in the bin’ as he gave his backing to under-fire Mauricio Pochettino.
‘We shouldn’t throw everything in the bin,’ the Brazilian told RMC Sport after the match. ‘We shouldn’t start from scratch after every loss. The objective is to win the Champions League, and until half-time we were fine.
‘We have to look to improve this team and maintain morale to play in Ligue 1 and to finish the season well. We should stay together.
‘Pochettino is still part of the project for this season. It’s not the time to think about that.’
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