Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Marseille Defends Sanctions Over Locker-Room Brawl as Rabiot’s Mother Alleges Double Standards

Coach Roberto De Zerbi described bodyguards stepping in with a teammate losing consciousness during the clash.

Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Olympique de Marseille v Stade Rennes - Orange Velodrome, Marseille, France - May 17, 2025 Olympique de Marseille's Adrien Rabiot celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Alexandre Dimou/File Photo
FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-MARSEILLE-MONTPELLIER
Soccer Football - UEFA Under 21 Championship - Final - England v Germany - Tehelne pole, Bratislava, Slovakia - June 28, 2025 England's Jonathan Rowe scores their third goal REUTERS/David W Cerny/File Photo
GFX Adrien Rabiot Roberto De Zerbi Jonathan Rowe

Overview

  • Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe were suspended, placed on the transfer list, and ruled out of Saturday’s match against Paris FC.
  • De Zerbi likened the fight to an “English pub” brawl, said bodyguards intervened, and described a teammate losing consciousness with a doctor attending.
  • AP reported the player who fainted was 17-year-old Darryl Bakola during the turmoil in the locker room.
  • Rabiot’s agent and mother accused Marseille of lying and cited Mason Greenwood’s “second chance,” while De Zerbi rejected the claim and noted he had made Rabiot captain.
  • Reports say Rowe is close to joining Bologna as the club seeks to move both players on.