Olympique Lyon star Thiago Mendes has received death threats on social media after he injured Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar on Sunday.
Neymar had to be stretchered off in the latter stages of Sunday's Ligue 1 loss to Lyon following a dangerous challenge from Mendes, who was sent off for his indiscretions.
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Although it has since been reported that the PSG forward could return this weekend, Mendes and his family have been hit with widespread abuse on social media.
"Thiago has received many death threats, and they shouldn't exist," Lyon manager Rudi Garcia said, as per Goal. "Today, we [as society] allow ourselves to easily insult or say horrible things.
"Thiago Mendes was sent off in Paris. I don't like the buzz around that, he attacked the ball. He was unfortunate that Neymar's foot remained under his buttock."
It was initially feared that Neymar's season could be over following the challenge but PSG manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the FC Barcelona star could return against Lille this weekend.
"Neymar's injury is not too serious," Tuchel said, as per Mundo Deportivo. "He will undergo more tests tomorrow. I can't say that he'll play against Lille but it's not completely impossible either."
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