Marseille’s Mayor Loses Composure After Defeat to Atalanta

On Wednesday night, Olympique de Marseille lost 0-1 to Atalanta Bergamasca at the Vélodrome during the fourth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage. This was a disappointing defeat for Roberto De Zerbi’s team, marked by frustration. The match shifted in the closing moments when Lazar Samardzic scored, just after a controversial incident in the Italian penalty area that many believed warranted a penalty for Marseille. This decision angered the Marseille fans and the mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan, who was in attendance.

As reported by RMC Sport, Benoît Payan expressed his outrage in the stadium’s corridors post-match, shouting: “This is not a mistake; it’s theft and a disgrace in the Champions League!” Still furious hours later, he took to X to criticize the “refereeing error” that he felt had “deprived the sport of its values,” while reiterating his pride in the Marseille club. Following this third defeat in four European matches, Marseille’s chances for qualification are dimming, and they must secure a victory against Newcastle on November 25. Marseille currently sits 25th in the standings.