French club fan sues Neymar after French Cup incident

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PARIS (AP) — The Rennes supporter who was hit in the face by Neymar last season has filed a lawsuit against the Brazil star.

The fan's lawyer, Philippe Ohayon, told L'Equipe newspaper that his client, whose identity has not been revealed, decided to take legal action after a meeting between members of Neymar's entourage and the alleged victim failed to ease tensions.

Ohayon was not immediately available for further comment.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker was given a three-game ban for lashing out at the fan following a loss in the French Cup final in April. After Rennes beat PSG 6-5 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the final at the Stade de France, Neymar reacted angrily to the man who was filming and verbally goading players as they walked up the stairs to collect their runner-up medals. Neymar exchanged a few words with the supporter and then raised his hand to him.

In a separate case, a Brazilian judge accepted a recommendation from prosecutors Thursday to close the investigation of Neymar on a rape allegation on the grounds of there being a lack of evidence against him. A woman had accused Neymar of raping her at a Paris hotel in May. Neymar denied the accusation and said his relations with the woman were consensual.