PSG Braces for Fan Unrest as Adrien Rabiot’s Return Sparks Tensions Ahead of Le Classique

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is preparing for potential disruptions ahead of their highly anticipated clash against Olympique de Marseille on Sunday, as tensions mount over Adrien Rabiot’s return to the Parc des Princes. According to reports from L’Équipe, the club has warned staff about the possibility of major disturbances, with concerns that the match could even be abandoned due to fan protests.

Le Classique, the fierce rivalry between PSG and Marseille, is one of the most heated fixtures in French football, despite the two cities being separated by nearly 500 miles. The animosity is rooted in the clubs’ historical success, with 21 Ligue 1 titles and multiple European honors between them. However, this particular encounter carries additional weight due to Rabiot’s controversial return.

The 29-year-old midfielder, a Paris native and former PSG academy star, left the club in 2019 following a tumultuous fallout. His refusal to extend his contract saw him relegated to the reserves, and his subsequent move to Juventus on a free transfer left a bitter taste among supporters. Matters were further complicated when Rabiot was spotted partying after PSG’s Champions League elimination by Manchester United and liking social media posts celebrating United’s victory.

The situation worsened as Rabiot’s mother and agent, Véronique Rabiot, publicly criticized PSG, describing his exit as a bid to ‘buy his freedom.’ After five seasons at Juventus, Rabiot made a sensational return to Ligue 1—but with PSG’s arch-rivals, Marseille, further inflaming tensions with his former fanbase.

PSG management is particularly concerned about how fans will react to Rabiot’s presence on the pitch. A club insider told L’Équipe, “It’s Rabiot’s return that’s worrying. The fans have been waiting for the opportunity to welcome him back in their own way. And we also know that his mother will be a target.”

To mitigate potential disruptions, PSG has launched a campaign urging supporters to maintain respect in the stands, referencing the recent display of sportsmanship between PSG and Liverpool fans in the Champions League. The club issued a statement, saying, “Parisians and English supporters have proven that respect in the stands transcends borders. Let’s show this Sunday that this respect also applies in Paris, inside the Parc des Princes.”

Despite these efforts, local authorities have raised concerns about offensive chants and banners leading to a temporary or complete suspension of the match. The security team has reportedly been briefed on worst-case scenarios, including handling fan departures if the game is called off.

Given the history of clashes between PSG and Marseille supporters—such as the destruction of stadium seating in 2018 and violent incidents in previous years—authorities are taking extra precautions. PSG officials have been in dialogue with Collectif Ultras Paris (CUP) to stress the importance of keeping the game uninterrupted, though tensions remain high.

With the stakes already elevated due to the significance of Le Classique, Rabiot’s return adds a volatile element that could define this encounter. Whether tempers flare or the match proceeds smoothly remains to be seen, but PSG is leaving nothing to chance as they brace for what could be one of the most contentious meetings in recent memory.

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