The Beautiful Game Is Over: Neymar Fumes as Lyon Star Is Booked for Trying Rainbow Flick

The Beautiful Game Is Over: Neymar Fumes as Lyon Star Is Booked for Trying Rainbow Flick

Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:46 PM
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  • Olympique Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta was shown a yellow card for his flamboyant skill on the pitch
  • The Brazilian attempted a rainbow flick on opposition but the referee booked him moments later
  • Neymar, who was booked for a similar skill last year, took to Instagram to fume over the booking
  • The PSG star believes players should be able to showcase their skills anytime on the pitch

PSG superstar Neymar recently expressed his dismay after Olympique Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta was shown a yellow card for attempting the famous rainbow flick on an opponent.

Paqueta
Neymar was upset that Paqueta was booked for attempting a rainbow flick on opposition. Photo by Christophe Saidi/FEP/Icon Sport.
Source: Getty Images

Paqueta, a Brazilian international, attempted the skill on Wednesday, September 22 when his Lyon side was seeing out a 3-1 win over Troyes in Ligue 1.

But referee Stephanie Frappart bizarrely showed Paqueta yellow for trying the skill, leaving the player stunned.

The decision to book the skilled player did not sit right with Neymar, who took to Instagram with a disheartening message on what he felt was the current state of football.

Neymar, who assisted PSG’s last grasp winner in the victory over Metz the same day, took to social media to declare, “the beautiful game is over”.

It is kind to note that Neymar was himself booked for trying the same skill in 2020.

"This episode is very, very sad, receiving a yellow card for a dribble," Neymar went on.
"The technical gesture is a solution, no matter where it takes place and no matter what minute it is performed.”
"The same thing happened to me last season. This year, it's happened to Paqueta. Honestly, I don't understand the reasons. The famous 'Joga Bonito' [beautiful game] is over. Enjoy while it lasts."

Paqueta’s skill did not even come off in the first place, as Troyes defender Giulian Biancone managed to get in the way and a throw-in was conceded.

Since coming to Europe from Flamengo in 2019, Paqueta has taken football by storm, and is famous for his skills and tricks on the ball when one-on –one with an opponent.

His stint in Europe started with AC Milan, who signed him for £30.7million.

Neymar's ex aims subtle dig at him

Meanwhile, Neymar’s ex girlfriend Natalia Barulich appeared to aim a subtle dig at him in an Instagram post.

The stunning 29-year old model dated Neymar for a few months before the pair decided to call it quits.

Barulich gave an interesting response when one fan asked her if she missed any of her former partners, as she replied:

“No. I will always have love for the few I've shared a relationship with.”

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Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
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