Neymar sent off for two yellow cards minutes apart, including shocking dive

Neymar was sent off for Paris Saint-Germain on his return to action on Wednesday night.

The Ligue One champions took on Strasbourg in their first Ligue One game after the World Cup break.

Though Lionel Messi was still allowed an extended period off as he celebrates winning the one trophy that has evaded him, PSG did have dynamic duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe available.

But it was a night to forget for Neymar, who received two yellow cards in quick succession in the second half.

His first caution was for a hand to the face of an opponent but his second, minutes later, was for a shocking bit of simulation.

Neymar received the ball in the area from Mbappe but touched the ball too far as he tried to get past a defender.

Despite there being no content whatsoever, he threw himself to the ground in pathetic fashion and the referee elected to punish him by showing a second yellow that brought an early bath for the Brazilian.

Not a good return for Neymar... 😳

The PSG star is sent off on his return to Ligue 1 for this dive inside the box... 🟥 pic.twitter.com/Fz7OgObXb9

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 28, 2022

The former Barcelona and Santos star has had a reputation for going down theatrically ever since becoming a household name but his antics this evening will do his reputation no favours.

He went down easily in the first half under a challenge but was given the benefit of the doubt. The second was a shocker though and led to Neymar walking around the pitch and down the tunnel prematurely.

PSG looked like they were being to a 1-1 draw in their first game back, with captain Marquinhos scoring at both ends.

But Mbappe, who won the World Cup Golden Boot after a hat-trick in the final, popped up right at the death with a 96th minute penalty.