Insulting your boss and teammates always carries an element of risk as Paris Saint-Germain’s Serge Aurier is discovering.
The PSG defender has been suspended indefinitely by the French club after footage emerged of him appearing to use homophobic language to insult coach Laurent Blanc.
A number of Aurier’s teammates — notably Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Angel Di Maria — were also referred to in less than complimentary terms by the Ivory Coast international — a regular under Blanc this season — while answering questions from fans during a live session on social media app Periscope.
“This video, filmed in a private setting, contains clearly unacceptable comments from a player of Paris Saint-Germain to some teammates and especially to coach Laurent Blanc,” a PSG statement read.
“Paris Saint-Germain wishes to express its full support for its coach, Laurent Blanc, and players who have rightly felt offended by remarks contrary to all the values of the club.”
The statement also confirmed that following discussions with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the club has opened disciplinary proceedings against Aurier, who has been excluded from the French club’s squad for Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Chelsea.
In an interview posted on PSG’s official website, Aurier apologized for his actions, while admitting he had done something “unforgivable.”
“I’m here to apologize to the coach, my teammates, the club and the supporters,” he said.
“I accept all the penalties that the club will have for me as a result of this story. I did something stupid and I’m unforgivable. So I’m ready to take responsibility for all the consequences.”
Blanc touched on the issue during his prematch news conference ahead of the Chelsea game.
“I took it very badly. One is allowed to have opinions but I committed myself to getting him two years ago [from Toulouse],” Blanc said.
“This is how he repays me? It is pitiful. He has punished himself and the club. He’ll suffer the consequences.”
While Aurier will be absent when PSG take on Chelsea Tuesday, teammate Marco Verratti will face the English champion just a day after signing a new contract with Blanc’s side.
Italy international Verratti, who joined PSG from Pescara in 2012, has put pen to paper on a deal running until 2020.
“I am very happy to extend my contract with Paris Saint-Germain,” Verratti told PSG’s official website.
“I will continue to give my all, along with my teammates, to bring joy and success to our supporters and make our team the best in Europe.”
