Paris, March 10 (IANS): Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) footballers were greeted by angry scenes at the Le Bourget airport after their defeat to FC Barcelona in the Champions League pre-quarterfinal.

Unai Emery's wards on Tuesday were beaten 1-6 at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona after leading 4-0 from the first leg in Paris as the Spanish giants completed an improbable 6-5 aggregate victory. This prompted a virulent mob in Paris to protest early on Thursday morning.

"These individuals verbally insulted the players before vandalising their cars. Several vehicles were damaged," read an official PSG statement.

"In this extremely hostile and aggressive climate, all vehicles were escorted to ensure the safe passage of the players, their families and club staff members. One individual was struck by a car trying to escape the crowd that was physically threatening the players and their families," it added.

The Ligue 1 giants then confirmed that "a police investigation is underway to establish exactly what happened" and stressed their "readiness" to help figure out exactly what happened.

Veteran midfielder Thiago Motta, who did not play in either leg of the last-16 clash, was recorded on video bumping into one of the supporters present in his car, the Italy international's agent, Alessandro Canovi, confirmed to Le Parisien.

"Thiago was stopped. His wife was by his side and supporters were beating on the roof and the sides of the car," Canovi said.

"He wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. He moved forward but did not feel like he ran the fan over. If he did hit someone, we are sorry but it has not been proven," he added.