Marseille ‘launch investigation after comedian features on tifo in publicity stunt’ ahead of PSG clash… with the Ligue 1 side’s president angered by a ‘lack of respect’
Marseille have reportedly launched an investigation after comedian Redouane Bougheraba was depicted on a tifo ahead of their Ligue 1 clash with PSG.
A banner was unfurled by supporters prior to Sunday’s Le Classique at the Stade Velodrome depicting the Champions League trophy.
The tifo was accompanied by the words ‘forever the first’, viewed as Marseille fans mocking rivals PSG for their failure to win the Champions League.
Marseille remain the sole French winners of Europe’s elite competition, after triumphing back in 1993.
Club officials have reportedly been angered by the tifo, which did not feature a player with the trophy but instead French-Algerian comedian Bougheraba wearing a Marsielle shirt.
French-Algerian comedian Redouane Bougheraba was depicted with the Champions League
Marseille president Pablo Longoria has reportedly ordered an investigation into the tifo
The tifo had been displayed ahead of Marseille’s home match against rivals PSG in Ligue 1
French reports have claimed Bougheraba was featured as part of a publicity stunt.
The words ‘forever the first’ have also been linked to the Marseille-based performer being scheduled to become the first comedian to perform at the Stade Velodrome on June 22.
According to French outlet RMC Sport, Marseille president Pablo Longoria was angered by the tifo and ordered an investigation by the club to ascertain how it had been approved.
Longoria is claimed to have been annoyed by a perceived ‘lack of professionalism’ and ‘seriousness’ behind the scenes, despite the tifo having been planned for weeks.
Anger is reported to have also stemmed from the display being shown four years to the day since the death of the club’s former president Pape Diouf.
Marseille fans had filled the stadium with a crowd of 65,894 present to watch the Ligue 1 clash, with PSG supporters banned from attending due to crowd trouble in previous meetings between the sides.
PSG beat the hosts 2-0 to move 12 points clear and close in on claiming the Ligue 1 title
PSG were able to end Marsielle’s 19-game unbeaten home run despite being reduced to 10-men in the first half.
Lucas Beraldo was sent off for the visitors in the first half, but goals from Vitinha and Goncalo Ramos earned the Ligue 1 leaders a 2-0 victory.
PSG are now 12 points clear at the top of the table, while Marseille lie seventh and are in a battle to secure European football next season.
