News Focus
- Aubameyang accused of leading the disorder at Marseille’s La Commanderie training base
- Players discharged a fire extinguisher inside a senior club official’s private quarters
- Incident occurred at the end of a mandatory four-day isolation period designed to improve form
- Club sits seventh in Ligue 1 with Champions League qualification hopes disappearing
- Comes after heavy defeat to FC Nantes where Marseille conceded three goals in eight minutes
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has allegedly spearheaded a chaotic celebration that left parts of Olympique de Marseille’s training facility in ruins. The Gabonese forward reportedly guided his teammates through an impromptu party on Thursday evening that marked the conclusion of a strict four-day lockdown.
The players had been confined to La Commanderie in an effort to halt the club’s dramatic slump in performance. However, instead of focusing on recovery, the squad transformed their accommodation into what staff described as a rowdy summer camp. Eyewitnesses observed beds shifted from their positions and rooms left in complete disarray.
The most serious act of vandalism involved a fire safety device. Players reportedly emptied an entire fire extinguisher inside the bedroom of a high-ranking club official, creating a significant mess and potential safety concern.
Club employees present during the incident expressed shock at the players’ behaviour. The destruction came at a sensitive time for the French side, who have suffered four defeats in their last six league matches. Their recent collapse against FC Nantes—where they conceded three times in just eight second-half minutes—has intensified scrutiny on the team.
Marseille currently occupy seventh position in the Ligue 1 table with only two fixtures remaining this season. This standing means they are almost certain to miss out on qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, ending their hopes of competing in Europe’s premier club competition.