In a fiery display of dissent, Strasbourg's hardcore fan group, Ultra Boys 90, has unleashed a blistering attack on Chelsea's ownership during their Ligue 1 clash against Rennes, accusing them of 'killing the essence of football'.
Banners Fly High in Anti-Chelsea Protest
The ultras unfurled multiple provocative banners at Stade de la Meinau, including one that read: 'Chelsea – Not Welcome Here!' alongside imagery of a crossed-out Blue Lion logo. Another scathing message targeted Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital directly: 'Your Money Can't Buy Our Soul'.
Multi-Club Model Under Fire
The protest highlights growing European resistance to Chelsea's multi-club strategy. Since acquiring Strasbourg last year, Boehly's consortium has faced accusations of treating the historic French club as a 'feeder team', with several young players already moved between the clubs.
Fan Representative Speaks Out
'We won't become Chelsea's training ground,' declared Ultra Boys 90 spokesperson Marc Lefevre. 'This isn't football – it's corporate vampirism. Strasbourg has a 120-year history that predates American investment groups.'
The protest comes days after Strasbourg's controversial 3-1 defeat to Chelsea's U21 side in the Premier League International Cup, a match boycotted by local supporters.
What Happens Next?
With tensions escalating, all eyes are on whether:
- UEFA will intervene in the growing multi-club ownership debate
- Strasbourg's board will address fan concerns
- Chelsea's ownership will modify their strategy
The rift exposes football's cultural divide as traditional fan bases increasingly clash with modern ownership models.
