Neymar and Donnarumma ‘forced apart after furious dressing room row’ following PSG’s defeat – claim reports in Spain
NEYMAR and Gianluigi Donnarumma almost 'came to blows' after Paris Saint-Germain were beaten by Real Madrid, reports in Spain have claimed.
However, Neymar has denied the allegations.
PSG were knocked out of the Champions League Round of 16 despite leading 2-0 on aggregate with just 30 minutes left to play.
A 17-minute hat-trick from Karim Benzema turned the tie on its head and left Neymar fuming.
According to he approached his goalkeeper in the dressing room after full-time, pointing out his mistake that led to Real's first goal - which sparked the comeback.
In response, Donnarumma allegedly hit back and reminded Neymar he conceded possession too easily in the build-up to the second goal, although that discredits the brilliant role Luka Modric played in creating the goal.
Read More Champions League
The argument between the pair is said to have escalated to the point where they confronted one another.
And they reportedly came close to violence before their team-mates had to separate them.
However, Neymar issued a denial on his social media channel.
He said: "I hate coming on here and talking about the news... but the previous post [claiming the pair had a fight] is a lie. There was no fighting in the locker room!!! Incompetent journos who want to promote themselves."
Most read in Football
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Neymar also shared personal Whatsapp messages between himself and Donnarumma, indicating they are on good terms.
The duo and some of their team-mates seemingly allowed their egos to get the better of them - and Rio Ferdinand claimed that is the reason why PSG let their lead slip at the Bernabeu.
Jamie Carragher also slammed PSG and likened the players to the kids after Real scored a third 11 seconds after their second.
The Champions League exit heaps pressure on manager Mauricio Pochettino - and Manchester United could move for the Argentine if he is sacked.
Real Madrid and rivals Atletico are also monitoring Pochettino however.
Read More on The Sun
Manchester City could even appoint the former Tottenham boss if Pep Guardiola walks away in the summer, which he may do if The Citizens finally win the Champions League.
A move back to North London also cannot be ruled out with Antonio Conte's future at Spurs far from certain.