LONDON: Brazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly unhappy with the state of the pitch ahead of Al-Hilal’s AFC Champions League clash with Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran.
Footage posted Sunday on X showed Nassaji groundskeepers laying thin strips of turf over what appeared to be vast areas of exposed concrete — only three days before the match.
Neymar was quoted as saying: “This is not possible.” And added facepalm and crying-with-laughter emojis.
Some fans took to the platform to warn the Brazilian against taking part in the match.
“Neymar don’t risk it bro, that pitch looks like a death trap,” one wrote. Another simply said: “Welcome to Iran, Neymar.”
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker signed a two-year, $98 million deal with the Riyadh club in August, after six years with the French champions.
Al-Hilal began the defense of their AFC Champions League title with a 1-1 draw at home against Uzbek side Navbahor last month.
