On Sunday, the Grand Est derby between Strasbourg and Metz at Meinau takes on particular significance beyond a simple sporting confrontation. This is the first reception of the season for Racing since the departure of its coach Liam Rosenior to Chelsea, a transfer which deeply divided the supporters of the Alsatian club. Arriving in 2023 under the control of BlueCo, the American consortium which also owns Chelsea, Rosenior left behind a competitive team in Ligue 1 but also growing unease among part of the fan base. For these ultras, the choice of the English technician illustrates an increased dependence of Racing on its “parent” club, and highlights serious concerns about the identity and future of the club in a multi-ownership model deemed too directed towards the interests of Chelsea.
In response to this situation, four supporters’ associations decided to play their role to the end this Sunday, unveiling banners on Saturday which will be deployed before kick-off. Among the messages, several directly challenge management on the risks that multi-ownership always puts Chelsea’s priorities ahead of those of Racing, preferring a “modest but standing Racing” to a “rich” but “on its knees” club. These actions, prepared with coordination between the groups and submitted to the stadium security services as required by management since mid-September, show how the traditional enthusiasm around the derby against Metz is now mixed with a deeper debate on the governance of the club.
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– UPDATE
