PSG ban their own fans in response to protests

Turns out success doesn't buy happiness

Fans turned up in their thousands to protest outside of the club's headquarters last week and launched a scathing attack against Lionel Messi while others travelled to the house of Neymar where they called for the Brazilian to 'get lost'.

Messi was at the centre of the abuse after he flew to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission and was subsequently fined and suspended by PSG, meaning he will miss Sunday's game, despite apologising.

A statement from the club condemned the fans' behaviour on Wednesday.

"Paris Saint-Germain most strongly condemns the intolerable and insulting actions of a small group of individuals that took place on Wednesday," they said.

"Whatever the differences of opinion, nothing justifies such actions. The club gives its full support to its players, its staff and all those targeted by such shameful behaviour."

However RMC Sport (via Get French Football News ) have reported that almost 450 members of the Collectif Ultras Paris group have been banned from attending the away game, with L'Équipe claiming it was in response to the protests after last weekend's shock defeat against Lorient.

Other members have been told they will still be allowed to attend the game, with the ultras group supposedly set to take up half of the away following but some reports have claimed that they will still travel to Troyes.

Christophe Galtier's side are under pressure to extend their lead at the top of the table back to six points after Lens closed the gap with a 2-1 win against Marseille, who dropped to third as a result.

Related links:

• Lionel Messi releases statement explaining situation with PSG
• Lionel Messi linked with sensational Premier League move after PSG fallout
• Neymar likes two posts about PSG future after fans storm his house