‘Neymar’s heart is very big’

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel applauded Neymar for turning down opportunity to complete his hattrick from the penalty spot during the match against Istanbul Basaksahir. Neymar instead gave Kylian Mbappe the chance to end his own goal draught in the Champions League.

Neymar did go on to bag a hat-trick as Paris St Germain topped Champions League Group H with a 5-1 home victory. Neymar has so far scored six goals from five appearances in the competition this season.

Tuchel was happy to see the gesture from the Brazilian, saying the move would do wonders for Mbappe's confidence.

"It's a great gesture," Tuchel said in his post-game press conference. "He gave that ball away that would've been a hat-trick.

"It is also not usual for Ney to score three goals in the same game. He gave the ball to Kylian to end his long streak without scoring in the Champions League.

"Neymar's heart is very big. He always thinks of his team-mates. He knows very well how important it is for forwards and for Kylian to score."

The PSG and Basaksehir players, as well as the three field referees, took a knee before kickoff one day after both teams walked off in protest after the Turkish side had accused the assistant referee of using a racist word against their assistant coach Pierre Webo.

Tuchel commended his players for walking out in protest.

"They made a strong decision, they showed solidarity with the opponent," Tuchel added. "They had a lot of courage. In the locker room, it was clear that they wanted to show that reaction.

"They are adults, they know what they are doing. I didn't understand the whole situation, I didn't hear the words on the pitch, but in the dressing room everything was very clear to us. It was necessary that we show this solidarity."