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United States PSG fans boycott title celebrations in protest as Mauricio Pochettino booed
Paris Saint-Germain fans walked out of the club’s Parc des Princes stadium despite their side being crowned as Ligue 1 champions, in an ongoing protest against the club.
Les Parisiens sealed the title this weekend but the mood around the club is soured with boss Mauricio Pochettino booed by large sections of the home crowd when his name was read out ahead of kick-off amid reports that he is set to leave the club. PSG were held 1-1 at home by Lens on Saturday, but despite that landing them the Ligue 1 title – few fans seemed to be in the mood to celebrate with an exodus from the stadium. That meant the player’s celebrations were mainly confined to the dressing room and away from the public eye.
It followed the supporter’s major protest at a Ligue 1 clash against Rennes in which they blasted the 'overpaid mercenaries' on their books and attacked the board. There were over 20 banners unveiled by the ultras which were a direct attack on the club's hierarchy and playing staff. One of their multiple banners explained in that clash, in a message to their players: "A half to prove our discontent. How many will it take to prove your commitment?" In an even stronger message, the ultras held up the line: "They also choose their matches. We'll do the same."
Last month, PSG fans booed Lionel Messi and Neymar during the club's first Ligue 1 match after they were eliminated from the Champions League in last month's Round of 16 tie against Real Madrid. The two South American superstars were booed with every touch of the ball by PSG fans during a league meeting against Bordeaux. Those boos came just a day after PSG ultras called on president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to resign following the latest European humbling for their club.
Fans have become frustrated with PSG's continued failings in Europe's premier club competition – they have not tasted success in the Champions League despite securing their major Qatar-backed takeover in 2011. That has carried on during Ligue 1 matches as PSG ultras purposefully stayed silent throughout the game against Marseille – a decision criticised by club captain Marquinhos.
Have Your Say! Did Man Utd make a mistake by overlooking Pochettino as their next boss? Tell us what you think here.
Under-fire PSG boss Pochettino had initially been the favourite to land the Manchester United job, as revealed in February, with the Old Trafford hierarchy identifying the Argentine as a leading candidate for the role. That revelation was later fleshed out by Mirror Football reporting that the Argentine was the preferred candidate among the players in United’s dressing room – but the club subsequently confirmed the appointment of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag last week. Pochettino was quizzed about the matter on Friday but avoided being drawn on the subject.
Pochettino said on Friday of his future: "All the rumours throughout my football career have never really affected me. I don't comment on rumours either. When I have been in charge of Southampton, Tottenham and now PSG, I have always been fully committed. Rumours are rumours, we don't need to pay attention to them now. We know they exist and they are generated on a daily basis. As always, we are focussed on our job at the club."
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