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 for the rest of the season.
Before kick-off at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, PSG fans behind one goal displayed a banner showing a masked figure in a PSG shirt destroying the Barcelona crest with a blood-covered chainsaw, 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,” Barcelona said. “We consider this kind of imagery and language unacceptable as it goes against the values of respect, fair play and sportsmanship that should be upheld in football.”
Under Article 16 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations, using any means “to transmit a provocative message that is not fit for a sports event” can bring sanctions, including a €10,000 fine for a first offence.
PSG won 4-2, ending Barcelona’s 100% start in the Champions League, but the result came at a cost. Kvaratskhelia ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after colliding with Barcelona’s Xavi Espart in the 59th minute and was carried off.
“Having suffered 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 gave no timeline, but ACL injuries usually mean at least nine months out, leaving the 25-year-old Georgia international little chance of playing again this season.
It is a major blow to the Champions League holders. Kvaratskhelia has been one of the most important players in Luis Enrique’s side since joining from Napoli, and his pace and creativity on the left will be hard to replace as PSG try to win the competition for a third consecutive year.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at nick.webster@insideworldfootball.com