Tuchel kicks against racism in football

Head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, Thomas Tuchel has insisted that there is no place for racism in football but said he did not hear any comment aimed at Neymar, who accused Marseille defender Alvaro of abusing him.  

Neymar was one of five players sent off after an ugly fracas at the end of Sunday’s Classique, which Marseille won 1-0 at the Parc des Princes.  

A VAR check showed Neymar striking Alvaro on the back of the head and he later posted on Twitter to say his only regret was not hitting his opponent in the face after alleging he was subjected to a racial slur.  

Alvaro denied the claims with his own post on social media and Tuchel was asked about the incident at a post-match news conference.  

“What I heard? He [Neymar] told me that it was some racist insult, but I did not hear anything on the pitch,” Tuchel said.  

“I think that everyone has the same opinion that racism in all the society, in sports or in our lives can’t exist. It’s obvious.  

“But I did not hear that today, neither [did] the referee so I can’t answer this question.”