Olympique de Marseille have transfer-listed Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe following a dressing-room brawl after their 1-0 defeat to Rennes on the opening day of the Ligue 1 season. The club described their behaviour as 'unacceptable', with president Pablo Longoria speaking of 'incredible violence' during the altercation.
The incident, dubbed 'The Rabiot Affair' by French media, erupted after Ludovic Blas's injury-time winner for Rennes. Sporting director Medhi Benatia confirmed punches were thrown, and a young player, Darryl Bakola, fainted as teammates and staff attempted to break up the fight. Rabiot's mother and agent, Véronique, downplayed the incident, saying 'no one ended up in hospital', but Marseille took a hardline stance.
Initially suspended, both players were placed on the transfer list on Monday. The club cited 'unacceptable behaviour in the dressing room after the match against Stade Rennais', but Véronique Rabiot claimed she was told the official reason was her son's 'lack of commitment' since pre-season. She called the club 'pathetic' and accused them of lying, a claim echoed by the family lawyer, Romuald Palao.
The brawl is the latest in a series of chaotic episodes at Marseille, a club known for its volatile atmosphere. Manager Roberto De Zerbi, appointed in the summer, has a history of confrontations, including a training-ground clash with new signing Ismaël Koné. The club's 'Droit au But' slogan belies a meandering path, with this season already off to a turbulent start.
