PSG cancel half of their ultras' tickets in latest drama after Lionel Messi's suspension

Lionel Messi's two-week suspension might not be the most bizarre ongoing matter at PSG with the Ligue 1 champions cancelling more than half the tickets for their trip to Troyes

Posted Monday, May 08, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

The ongoing rift between PSG and their own supporters has taken yet another dramatic turn after the club cancelled more than half the tickets allocated to the Collectif Ultras Paris for Sunday's Ligue 1 match.

Holding a three-point lead at the summit of the French first division, as well as a game in hand over second-placed Lens, the Parisian giants are on course for an 11th top-flight crown but all is not well on the banks of the Seine.

Star man Lionel Messi is under suspension for making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, having already agreed to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

A segment of supporters have also voiced their discontent at Neymar Jr, shouting "Neymar, get out! Neymar, get out!" from the gates of his £6m luxury pad, despite the Brazilian still undergoing rehabilitation for an ankle injury. Neymar has not played since headlining a 4-3 victory over Lille in mid-February.

Now, according to French outlet RMC, the feud between fans and club has reached new heights with PSG blocking 450 members of the Collectif Ultras Paris from attending their scheduled clash at Troyes this evening.

The report states cancellation has been permitted as a consequence of protests against the Parc Des Princes hierarchy, but many of the vociferous fan-led group are still expected to make the short journey east without a ticket.

Due to his two-week suspension, seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi will not be in attendance at Stade de l'Aube and the World Cup winner will also miss the home clash against Ajaccio on Saturday (May 13th).

Prior to the sanctions, Messi offered a heartfelt apology to supporters and club staff. "I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always happened. I had this trip organised and I couldn't cancel it," said the silky Argentine via a Twitter video.

"I had already cancelled it before. I apologise to my teammates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me."