Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier said Lionel Messi's suspension was the club's decision while he also condemned the Ligue 1 side's fans for staging protests outside Neymar's house.
Messi, 35, is serving a two-week suspension after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia when he was supposed to train with his team following their 3-1 defeat at home to Lorient in the league on Sunday.
The Argentine superstar is now expected to leave PSG when his contract at the end of the season, with rumours suggesting Saudi giants Al Hilal area poised to make a hugely lucrative offer. "I was informed by the board at the start of the week of the decision to suspend Messi.
When I was informed, I had the responsibility of not commenting on it," Galtier told a press conference ahead of Sunday's game at Troyes. "I'm employed by the club and that is my role.