Paris Saint-Germain wrapped up their 10th record-tying French top-flight title with four games to spare, despite being held 1-1 by 10-man Lens at home on Saturday.
Lionel Messi hit a sensational curled goal to set the lead for PSG in the 68th minute, only ten minutes after Lens centre back Kevin Danso was sent off for receiving his second yellow card of the match.
But what happened next in the Parc des Prince was bizarre as a group of fans, being incited by ultra fans association Collectif Ultras Paris (CUP), started to leave the stadium 15 minutes from the regular time in protest at the club's Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
Adding to PSG's disappointment, Corentin Jean scored a last-gasp equalizer to steal a precious point for Lens, who are striving for a place in the continental competitions next season but meanwhile dampening the already muted championship celebration.
"It's a shame for the atmosphere," captain Marquinhos said in the post-match interview.
"Too bad it's not with the supporters, but we have to deal with it. There is always the good side, but you also have to take the bad side," the Brazilian defender added. "Even if we haven't been very far in Europe, in France there are difficult trips. It's always an effort to make, this is why our work must be valued."
"That's something I don't understand," said midfielder Marco Verratti. "I know that they were disappointed about Madrid, but at some point, you have to move on."
Mauricio Pochettino's side are 16 points ahead of second-placed Marseille, who have five games to play and are not possible to catch up with the capital-based team.
PSG moved level with Saint-Etienne, who won their 10th title in 1981 but are fighting to stay in the first division this season. Only two of PSG's league titles - in 1986 and 1994 - were crowned before Qatar Sports Investments took over the club in 2011.
For former Tottenham head coach Pochettino, who replaced Thomas Tuchel as PSG manager in January 2021, it was his first league title but the future of the Argentine in Paris was uncertain as he was one of the men that was the target of the angry supporters.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)