PSG club management is said to have pressured referees – Uefa is investigating

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Sporting director Leonardo (left) and PSG boss Nasser Al-Khelaifi

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FRANCK FIFE / AFP

The excitement about the end of the Champions League has consequences for the management of Paris Saint-Germain.

The disciplinary body of the European Football Union (Uefa) began investigations into club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and PSG sports director Leonardo, a Uefa spokesman confirmed to the sports information service.

The French newspaper "L'Équipe" also writes that disciplinary proceedings have been opened by Uefa.

Both are accused of hassling referee Danny Makkelie after the 3-1 draw at Real Madrid in the round of 16 second leg.

The Dutch referee was apparently targeted for recognizing Spain's 1-1 equalizer from Karim Benzema in the 61st minute, despite the Frenchman's alleged foul on PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

"A definite mistake," Leonardo said after the game.

It was initially unclear whether Makkelie was threatened or even physically attacked.

In his report, the referee is said to have pointed out "very aggressive behavior" by those responsible for PSG.

As reported by several media, including the Spanish "Marca", Al-Khelaifi, together with sports director Leonardo, is said to have tried to get into the referee's cabin immediately after the game.

A Real Madrid employee is said to have filmed the incident.

Not only the game report and discussions with those involved can now help to clarify the case, the chamber can also fall back on video recordings from Wednesday evening.

The control committee will then announce more.

In addition to his position at PSG, Al-Khelaifi is also active in another important role in football: he was appointed a full member of the Uefa Executive Committee as a representative of the European Club Association (ECA) in February 2019.

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