Lyon have come to the defence of midfielder Thiago Mendes after recent claims on social media that the Brazilian is spending too much time out at night.

The 27-year-old arrived at Groupama Stadium last summer for €22 million from Lille and is Lyon's fourth-most expensive signing in club history.

Mendes has six assists from 19 Ligue 1 appearances this season but has come in for criticism for a recent drop in from, which Lyon moved to address officially.

"OL is surprised by the false information relayed on social media networks regarding possible night outings involving Thiago," a club statement read. "It is intolerable to refer to unproven extra-sporting activities, which the player denies.

"The club supports Thiago and questions why false information would be encouraged to be disseminated.

"It constitutes definite prejudice against the club and the player, so we will not hesitate to support him in any possible legal actions against such claims."

Lyon coach Rudi Garcia spoke on the issue during Tuesday's prematch news conference ahead of Wednesday's Ligue 1 clash with Amiens and backed Mendes.

"I defend my players, like the club," said the Frenchman. "We trust the professionalism of our players -- I trust Thiago.

"The statement says it all. Outside of sporting matters, we leave them alone and trust them to be professional.

"A player who is not can only last so long -- they eliminate themselves. I trust Thiago rather than believing the fake news on the internet."

The episode comes just days after Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar, a fellow Brazilian, celebrated his 28th birthday ahead of a Tuesday match against Nantes and against coach Thomas Tuchel's wishes.

Neymar was ruled out against Nantes with a rib injury, while Kylian Mbappe was included in the squad -- despite his public spat with Tuchel after being substituted against Montpellier.