PSG condemn 'immature' criticism of Marquinhos after birth of his child

Paris Saint-Germain have hit out at "immature" criticism of Marquinhos after they allowed him to miss Saturday's match at Montpellier for the birth of his second child.

A discussion on programme L'Equipe du Soir involving host Olivier Menard and former Auxerre boss Guy Roux questioned why the Brazil international should miss the Ligue 1 game.

In one exchange, Roux, 81, said: "Are the men giving birth now? Is there is no doctor in Paris for this lady to give birth?"

Marquinhos, meanwhile, posted on social media to confirm Enrico had been born on Friday, describing his birth as a "blessing" while calling his wife Carol Cabrino "a warrior".

Enrico Cabrino Corrêa 06.12.2019 E o molecão chegou, parabéns mamãe @carolcabrino você é a nossa guerreira! Que alegria, quanta emoção, obrigado papai do céu por mais essa benção em nossas vidas. pic.twitter.com/PY0Jxx1ns1

— Marcos Aoás Corrêa (@marquinhos_m5) December 7, 2019

L'Equipe du Soir issued an apology on Saturday on behalf of Menard and his panellists, some of whom had laughed and joined in with the discussion, adding their congratulations to the player.

But that did not stop PSG from making clear their displeasure with the situation.

"His wife was in the hospital for two days waiting to give birth, the club decided that Marqui stays with her," PSG's statement on Saturday read.

"The club also conveys all its congratulations and wishes of happiness to Marqui and his wife, who gave birth yesterday afternoon to their second child.

"It is with dismay that we heard the immature and hurtful remarks made yesterday in L'Equipe du Soir.

"Coming from people who give us year-round lessons on the values of sport and life, we are surprised by the mediocrity of these remarks."

Très heureux pour toi @marquinhos_m5 , ainsi que pour la maman Profite bien de ce nouveau moment de bonheur avec ta famille #PSGfamily pic.twitter.com/NxPEAFe8TD

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) December 7, 2019

PSG added: "Very happy for you Marquinhos, as well as for the mother. Enjoy this new moment of happiness with your family."

Marquinhos, 25, also has a two-year-old daughter named Maria.

He has played in 13 of PSG's 15 league games this season, including Wednesday's 2-0 home win over Nantes.

L’Equipe du Soir, Olivier Menard et ses chroniqueurs présentent leurs plus sincères excuses suite aux propos déplacés tenus sur le forfait de Marquinhos pour le match du PSG ce soir. La Chaîne l’Equipe souhaite à Marquinhos, sa femme et toute leur famille beaucoup de bonheur.

— L'ÉQUIPE du soir (@lequipedusoir) December 7, 2019