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Neymar suspended three Champions League games for insulting match official

Neymar has been suspended for three European games for insulting match officials on social media after Paris Saint-Germain were eliminated by Manchester United in the Champions League.

The penalty, handed down by UEFA on Friday, will see the Brazil international miss half of the Champions League group stage next season.

Neymar labelled the video assistant referee (VAR) system a "disgrace" after Manchester United were awarded a decisive last-gasp penalty 3-1 win in the second leg of the round of 16 at Parc des Princes last month to advance into the quarterfinals 3-3 on away goals.

The 27-year-old could only watch from the Parc des Princes stands and later the touchline as his teammates threw away a two-goal lead before Presnel Kimpembe was penalised for handball after a VAR review in the final minutes.

"This is a disgrace," Neymar seethed on Instagram after the match. "Four guys who know nothing about football watch a slow-motion replay in front of the television.

"It was nothing! What can [Kimpembe] do with his hand while his back is turned? Go f--- yourselves!"

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel had said the Brazil international made his comments in the heat of the moment, hinting he should not be sanctioned.

Sources have told ESPN FC that PSG will appeal the ruling.

Previously, former PSG man Serge Aurier and Neymar's current teammate Gianluigi Buffon have both been hit by three-match bans for insulting match officials in the Champions League.

Neymar is now back in action with PSG after missing three months with an injury. He expected to feature against Rennes in the Coupe de France final at Stade de France on Saturday as he continues to work towards building up his fitness in time for the Copa America on home soil in the summer.

PSG have qualified for next season's Champions League by winning the Ligue 1 title.

ESPN FC PSG correspondent Jonathan Johnson and Reuters contributed to this report.

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