Turmoil at Marseille: threats of violence, resignations, and calls for “profound change”

As the full-time whistle sounded on Olympique de Marseille’s 0-0 draw against Toulouse FC on Sunday, murmurings of discontent resonated around the Stade Vélodrome. If discontent was simmering below the surface, it erupted on Monday, with supporter groups levelling threats against the club’s hierarchy in a meeting that could irreversibly change OM. 

Only 24 hours had passed when President Pablo Longoria, Sporting director Javier Ribalta, Financial director Stéphane Tissier as well as club CEO and Strategy director Pedro met with the supporter groups at Marseille’s training complex – La Commanderie – on Monday. 

At the time, RMC Sport described the nature of the meeting as “extremely tense,” with supporters reportedly saying, “We don’t see the ball. We’re ashamed. You don’t respect us.” However, the seriousness of the comments made in this explosive meeting has since come to light. In an official press release, OM owner Frank McCourt revealed that what was meant to be a constructive meeting, quickly “transformed into an alarming demonstration of aggression, with members of the club’s hierarchy subjected to threats of violence.” 

On Tuesday, those present at the meeting began to share their experience, notably on video calls with Frank McCourt’s right-hand-man Barry Cohen. One member of OM’s hierarchy present reportedly told Cohen that one of the supporters said, “You and your d***head coach if you don’t leave, you’ll see.” Rachid Zeroual, infamous leader of the South Winners ultras group told the hierarchy that they had four matches to leave. 

By Tuesday word of the meeting is also filtering through the corridors of La Commanderie, as well as onto the training pitches. Marcelino, deeply affected by the events of the previous