PSG defender Marquinhos was met with widespread skepticism earlier this week in claiming that there is no difference between Le Classique (PSG vs Marseille) and El Clasico in Spain. He may have been partially right, however: both games are capable of stooping to deeply low levels of diving, playacting and general nonsense.
The sides drew last 2-2 in Ligue Un last night, with the Parisians rescued by a stunning Edison Cavani free-kick in the final minute of the game. (More of that in a moment). But the reason Cavani took that free-kick was owing to the fact that Neymar was absent, having been sent off for two yellow cards earlier in the game.
With three minutes of normal time to go, Neymar was fouled by Marseille's Lucas Ocampos. A subsequent reaction from Neymar saw Ocampos crumple in a heap. Both players were booked, but with Neymar already on a yellow, he was sent off. He left with a wry smile and some sarcastic applause for the referee.
It had been a difficult afternoon for Neymar, despite scoring PSG's opening goal. He was pelted with objects from the crowd while taking corners, and at one stage had to be shielded:
With Neymar missing from the final few minutes, it fell to Cavani to rescue PSG with this delightful free-kick, obeying Yeboah's Law by thundering in off the crossbar.
PSG remain top of Ligue Un, four points clear of Monaco. Marseille are fifth, seven points off the leaders.
