Di Maria Subbed Off Against Nantes After Home Robbery
Paris Saint-Germain teammates Angel Di Maria and Marquinhos were the victims of home robberies during Sunday's game against Nantes.
Angel Di Maria and the father of Paris Saint-Germain teammate Marquinhos had their houses broken into during Sunday's shock defeat to Nantes.
The Argentina international was replaced by Leonardo Paredes in 62nd minute, after a curious discussion between officials – including sporting director Leonardo, who appeared visibly angry – in the stands, and the coaching staff on the touchline over the phone.
The substitution caused confusion - not only off the pitch, but also on it. PSG conceded just before Di Maria went off, and then again nine minutes later as they squandered the chance to knock Lille off top spot.
After Di Maria went off, Mauricio Pochettino spoke to his compatriot in the dressing room before returning to the touchline.
RMC Sport reported during the game that Di Maria had subsequently left the stadium and that he had been taken off due to a "serious personal matter."
Canal+ and RMC Sport provided a further update at full-time, stating that Di Maria, along with PSG captain Marquinhos' father, had their homes targeted while the game was ongoing.
Le Parisien reported that Marquinhos' father was briefly detained while thieves searched the house.
Mauro Icardi suffered a burglary in February, while Di Maria has previously been the victim of such a crime, during his time at Manchester United in 2014-15.
While PSG did not immediately release an official statement, Mauricio Pochettino told a news conference: "There are situations outside of football that also explain the second half.
"It's not an excuse but there was a drop in energy. We talked about things other than football after the game in the locker room."
"The group is very concerned."
The 33-year-old signed a new one-year contract extension with the Ligue 1 champions on Friday.