PSG launch scathing attack on French press after 'insulting' Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi rumours
Matuidi and Verratti were reported to have partied at a Parisian night club on Monday night, less than 48 hours before the defeat to Barcelona
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paris Saint-Germain have dismissed reports that Blasie Matuidi and Marco Verratti partied until the early hours on Monday night.
On Friday, L’Equipe claimed that the pair were spotted in a Paris nightclub on Monday, less than 48 hours before their side’s 6-1 Champions League humiliation at Barcelona.
Matuidi and Verratti reportedly revelled until “well after midnight” at an event organised by Puma, the sportswear manufacturer, near the Place de l’Etoile in the 16th arrondissement.”
The Ligue 1 club rejected the reports in their entirety in a strongly-worded statement which condemned L’Equipe’s reportage specifically.
The statement, released via the club’s Twitter account, read: “Blaise Matuidi and Marco Verratti in a nightclub two days before Barcelona?”
“It is insulting to their professionalism and their club. A defeat will never authorise the spreading of the most malevolent rumours.
“Shame to those - often L'Equipe - who disseminate them without even knowing their information. No credibility.”
PSG subsequently posted an additional statement, reading: “Same disappointing analysis concerning the club supposedly asking the city council to parade down the Champs-Elysees if we won the European title.
“False. Very false. Why publish lies? What is L'Equipe's objective?”
Verratti’s agent has also denied the rumours of him attending the nightclub on Monday, telling Neapolitan radio station Radio Crc that such reports are “completely false”.
“We will pursue legal action and we are studying which path to follow,” he added. “The image of Verratti is sacred and we will not allow anyone to discredit it.
“It's one thing to criticise the boy technically but it's another to get into personal issues, saying things that are absolutely untrue.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments