Valenciennes keeps PSG slow down party

AP

PARIS PARIS Saint-Germain celebrations were set up while they failed to pick up the win they need to all but the French title on Sunday had, scraping a home 1-1 draw against Valenciennes and giving Marseille a glimmer of hope with three games remaining seal.

A week after PSG had three players sent off in chaotic scenes after the 1-0 win in Evian, the club's image took another hit as sporting Director Leonardo deliberately shoulder-barged referee Alexandre Castro in the tunnel after the match. That was after Thiago Silva late in the first half for putting his hands on the chest of the referee as he disputed a decision was sent.

"Better Prepared ... This is not possible, "said one angry Leonardo as he is dragged before the road shouted on Castro, by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

Moments after the final whistle, top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic also launched a verbal tirade on Castro for sending Silva.

"Referee in France is very, very hard. We are the most penalized team, "said PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti. "I don't know if my players are too nervous. Maybe sometimes they. I think the referees have also tired at the end of the season and may have more errors than usual. ..
It's often happened (this season) that referees have made mistakes. " A victory would have all but guaranteed PSG a first title since 1994, and a third overall, but Valenciennes midfielder Gael Danic played soccer and scored on attacks in the 17th minute.

Centre half Alex equalised in the 83rd when he powerful head of a corner.

"I know Thiago, he doesn't go with the intention of the referee, just to talk to push him as captain," PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi said.

"Unfortunately, there was a bit of a misunderstanding and you have to accept that. Now we will work hard and try and win the title in Lyon. With three games remaining, PSG are seven points ahead of Marseille but then face a difficult trip to third place Lyon, while Marseille host Toulouse.

"Lyon are playing for the Champions League and we're playing for the title, so it will be a difficult game for both parties," said Ancelotti.

Silva's sending off came after three PSG players Red Carded last weekend.

Midfielders David Beckham, Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti and ' keeper Salvatore Sirigu were suspended, and Silva is now set to miss crucial trip to Lyon next weekend after Castro showed him a straight red in the 42nd.

Silva appeared to push light Castro in the chest, and although there is not much aggression of Silva's side, both of his hands were on the referee.

PSG missed opportunities as Ibrahimovic tried an extravagent backheel that went wide and midfielder Javier Pastore drew a smart save from Nicolas Penneteau.

Then, with a quick break, caught cold and the ball quickly to PSG Valenciennes forward Vincent Amer, whose shot was way false by Douchez was moved.