Celtic were outclassed by Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League opener on Tuesday night.
The French side, who have added Neymar and Kylian Mbappé to their attack over the summer, cruised to a 5-0 victory over the Scottish champions at Parkhead. Both of their high profile new signings found the net for PSG, with an Edinson Cavani double and an own-goal from Mikael Lustig completing a miserable night for Brendan Rodgers’ men.
After the game, much was made of Neymar’s exchange with Celtic youngster, Anthony Ralston, a surprise name in the Celtic starting XI.
The defender put in a couple of strong challenges on the former Barcelona star during the game and even appeared to laugh in his face when he fell to the ground shortly after PSG’s third goal.
Shortly after the full-time whistle, the Brazilian appeared to snub the 18-year-old as he attempted to shake hands, covering his mouth as he said something to the Celtic youngster.
Imagine being so ungracious to not shake the hand of the teenage debutant tasked with marking you for 90 min. What a prick.#Neymar #Celtic pic.twitter.com/byUklkEtM9
— Graham (@____Graham_) September 12, 2017
The Brazilian’s reaction didn’t go down well with the Celtic supporters that witnessed it, with plenty of them criticising Neymar on social media.
As for Ralston, he didn’t appear to concerned at being snubbed by his opponent.
“If that is the case, and that is the way he wants to be, then fine. I don’t care,” Ralston said after the game.
“Everybody is different, so I won’t lose any sleep over it. It wasn’t a big deal. I won’t dwell on that too much.
“I didn’t fear the likes of Neymar. I just knew I had to play my normal game.
“I prepared for facing him the way I’d prepare for any normal match.
“I did exactly the same routine. It’s just another man on the pitch you are playing against.
“I don’t put him on a pedestal. You just deal with it.”
