The Brazil forward may face disciplinary action from UEFA after flouting health and safety recommendations brought in to guard against Covid-19.
Paris Saint-Germain fans fear Neymar could miss the Champions League final after he swapped shirts with an opponent after Tuesday night’s victory against RB Leipzig.
The Brazilian superstar was seen swapping shirts with Leipzig defender Marcel Halstenberg at the full-time whistle in Lisbon.
While this is a common tradition in football, UEFA currently advises against it as part of its attempts to guard against the spread of coronavirus.
European football’s governing body introduced strict ‘return to play’ protocols for the Champions League and Europa League last month to ensure the two tournaments could be completed safely.
The 31-page document outlines extensive health and safety measures including regular testing, dedicated zones for players, staff and media within the stadiums and the wearing of face masks.
Also included in the protocols was advice on shirt-swapping, which stated that “players are recommended to refrain from swapping their shirts”.
The document does not explicitly state what the punishment would be for shirt swapping, though PSG supporters fear those disciplinary measures could include a ban.
The 28-year-old may also be forced to self-isolate for 14 days to guard against the risk of possible infection, which again would see him sit out Sunday’s game.
That has understandably got fans of the French champions concerned, as they contemplate the prospect of their side being without their talismanic forward for one of the biggest matches in the club’s history.