PSG: Players' families threatened, vehicles damaged at airport
Angry fans awaiting Paris Saint-Germain's arrival at Bourget airport early Thursday morning verbally insulted the players, threatened their families, and damaged vehicles, according to a club statement.
A police investigation has begun into the actions of select individuals in the late hours after PSG's 6-1 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League.
French network BFM TV captured scenes as PSG players attempted to leave the airport through a mob of supporters. One of those players, Thiago Motta, who did not take part in the ignominious defeat, hit a fan at a low speed and sent the man to hospital with slight wounds:
Just Thiago Motta ramming his car into an abusive #PSG fan at the airport last night pic.twitter.com/70Cs9k8TY5
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) March 9, 2017
PSG confirmed a car struck a pedestrian but emphasised the crowd put the players in danger.
"These individuals verbally insulted the players before vandalising their cars. Several vehicles were damaged," read the statement. "In this extremely hostile and aggressive climate, all vehicles were escorted to ensure the safe passage of the players, their families, and club staff members."
The incident occurred after what was despondent early-morning flight back to France, according to a downtrodden account from RMC Sport's Mohamed Bouhafsi. Only Edinson Cavani, scorer of PSG's lone goal in the visitor's limp effort at Camp Nou, escaped the wrath of the incensed group of supporters.
The four-time defending Ligue 1 champion will attempt to put a difficult 24 hours behind it with a win Sunday against Lorient.