Despite scoring four times, world record signing Neymar found himself on the receiving end of heavy jeers from supporters during Paris Saint-Germain's 8-0 win over Dijon on Wednesday night after he denied Edinson Cavani the chance to become the French club's all-time top scorer.
The Brazilian had been cheered only minutes earlier when he scored a sensational third goal, dribbling past sever Dijon defenders before unleashing a low shot from the edge of the area.
However, Cavani had drawn level with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 156-goal record tally for the club with his solitary first-half strike.
With the Uruguayan just one goal away from becoming Les Parisiens' all-time record scorer, supporters urged Neymar to give Cavani the responsibility of taking a late penalty in the match, which could have led to Cavani scoring his second goal of the match.
The former FC Barcelona man, however, stepped up to take the spot-kick himself, seemingly upsetting many fans at the Parc des Princes.
"It was a very, very good PSG against a Dijon side that unfortunately didn't put up much resistance. We were almost perfect today," PSG defender Thomas Meunier said.
However, the right-back went on to back Neymar after the game, suggesting that the fans should be more thankful for the 25-year-old's performance.
"It was a little ungrateful from the supporters," he said. "We sense the excitement each time Neymar touches the ball but I know that they also appreciate Edinson.
"However, you have to weigh up the pros and cons and put water in the wine, so when a player scores four goals and provides two more assists in a match... The team in general should be cheered and not just individual players."
"(Cavani) is our goalscorer and he's improved a lot here. The team helped him to achieve this individual mark," said PSG coach Unai Emery, who was quick to defend Neymar's decision to take the spot-kick.
"I think Neymar took the penalty because it was also a good day for him. We're happy with it. But there will be lots more chances for Cavani to score more goals.”
PSG have yet to drop a point at home this season and lead Lyon by 11 points, with a trip to face Bruno Genesio's men next up for the league leaders at the weekend.
