Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 7y

No rift between Neymar, Cavani after penalty row - PSG president

Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has said there is no rift between Neymar and Edinson Cavani.

Neymar and Cavani had a dispute over a second-half free kick in the 2-0 win over Lyon on Sunday, with Dani Alves backing Neymar, who then insisted on taking a penalty only to see it saved.

L'Equipe claimed the duo had to be calmed down in the dressing room after the final whistle as their row continued, while Spanish media reports claimed Neymar had asked PSG to sell Cavani.

But speaking to RMC, Al-Khelaifi said: "No, there's nothing. It's you, the media, who are making problems." 

L'Equipe reported Neymar and Cavani will thrash out their differences in talks with PSG's sporting director Antero Henrique and coach Unai Emery on Wednesday afternoon.

Speaking earlier this week, Emery said: "Penalties will be taken by a couple of players. One is Edinson and the other is Neymar.

"There needs to be a gentlemen's agreement on the pitch when it comes to taking spot kicks.

"Apart from that, we will have to arrange things internally for when we get penalties because I believe that both are capable of converting them and I want them to alternate with this exercise."

Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan defended fellow Uruguayan Cavani, telling Sport 890 radio: "Neymar would not have done that to [Lionel] Messi, to have argued.

"There are egos everywhere, but there has to be respect for Cavani. He is the PSG goal scorer. When you arrive in a team you have to show respect. I understand that Neymar is Neymar, but Cavani is Cavani and each one has his place.

"It's up to the coach to decide who should be the penalty taker."

ESPN FC's Spain correspondent, Adriana Garcia, contributed to this report.

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