What was meant to be a night of European competition quickly turned into a storm of controversy and disbelief inside the Olympique de Marseille dressing room. Following Marseille’s heated clash against Sporting CP, manager Roberto De Zerbi reportedly lost his composure after witnessing one of his star players walking back into the tunnel holding a Sporting shirt.
According to those present, the Italian manager’s fury was instant and unforgettable. “He’s the best player, but he walked in with a Sporting shirt in his hand, and I remember Roberto just absolutely unloaded on him,” said one eyewitness. “He destroyed him in front of everyone. You could hear a pin drop in that room.”
The tension had already been boiling on the pitch. De Zerbi, known for his passionate and demanding style, was visibly furious at what he believed was clear referee bias throughout the game. Several contentious decisions went against Marseille, from questionable fouls to a disallowed goal that could have changed the outcome. The players had fought tooth and nail, and emotions were running high.
So when one of Marseille’s leading figures—described as “untouchable” by many fans—decided to exchange shirts with a Sporting player moments after the final whistle, De Zerbi saw it as an act of betrayal. “It wasn’t the time or the place,” another staff member commented. “We’d just been on the wrong end of some awful refereeing, tempers were flaring, and Roberto felt that it sent the wrong message—that we were okay with losing under unfair conditions.”
De Zerbi reportedly confronted the player in front of the squad, slamming the locker door before delivering the shocking words:
“You’ll never play for Marseille again.”
The outburst stunned everyone. The Italian tactician’s voice echoed through the hallway as he accused the player of lacking commitment, professionalism, and respect for the badge. Several players tried to calm the situation, but De Zerbi was unrelenting.
Insiders say the incident has created a deep divide within the squad. Some teammates sided with De Zerbi, arguing that his reaction reflected his deep passion for the club and his refusal to tolerate complacency. Others, however, believe the manager went too far, especially considering the player’s importance to the team.
One senior player reportedly tried to defuse the situation, reminding De Zerbi of the player’s contributions this season. But the coach, known for his uncompromising standards, stood firm. “I don’t care who he is,” De Zerbi reportedly said. “If you don’t respect the shirt, you don’t wear it again.”
This is not the first time De Zerbi has made headlines for his fiery approach to discipline. During his time in Italy and England, he built a reputation for demanding absolute loyalty and focus from his squads. For him, football is not just about tactics—it’s about mentality, identity, and respect.
Fans have reacted sharply to the reports. Social media is flooded with debates, some praising De Zerbi’s leadership and others calling his decision extreme. “He’s setting a standard,” one supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “No player is bigger than the club.” Others argued that in moments of frustration, a player might simply be showing sportsmanship, not disrespect.
As of now, the club has not issued an official statement regarding the player’s future, but multiple reports suggest De Zerbi is standing by his decision. Whether the player will be frozen out or offered a chance to apologize remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: the message from De Zerbi could not have been louder. For him, wearing the Marseille shirt comes with pride, emotion, and unity—and anyone who forgets that will not have a place under his management.
In a football world where professionalism sometimes clashes with passion, Roberto De Zerbi has once again reminded everyone that, in his team, respect for the club always comes first—even if it means losing a star.
