PSG manager Christophe Galtier has confirmed that he rested Achraf Hakimi against Maccabi Haifa due to the fact that he has played almost 90% of the matches this season, and not due to fears of Israeli fan backlash owing to the Moroccan defender’s Palestine advocacy.
PSG’s Achraf Hakimi touches his ear after being loudly booed by home fans in Haifa tonight when he was introduced as a substitute. The Morocco international has been a vocal advocate of Palestinian rights. pic.twitter.com/ezmKn2cTBY
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) September 14, 2022
The Moroccan endured boos throughout the Trophee des Champions (French Super Cup) match which took place in Tel Aviv in July.
Hakimi was however on the bench for the match with Maccabi Haifa, with Nordi Mukiele preferred to start. The French side came from behind to beat Maccabi 3-1.
When Hakimi finally made his appearance in the 83rd minute, the home crowd booed him.
Why Did Galtier Bench Hakimi?
In his post-match comments, his coach played down suggestions he opted to rest his key defender thanks to his pro-Palestinian position.
Speaking to RMC Sport, Galtier said: “Hakimi didn’t start; simply because he had just played eight out of nine matches, not in relation to the environment or what happened at the Trophee des Champions.”
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Meanwhile, with the victory, PSG have earned all possible points from their first two games.
They defeated Juventus 2-1 to begin their UCL campaign. The Parisians’ upcoming game will be against Benfica.
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