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Ten years after an inflammatory social media broadcast led to his suspension at Paris Saint-Germain, former Ivory Coast international Serge Aurier has issued a public, lighthearted apology to his former manager Laurent Blanc on French television, Eurosport reported.
Public Apology on Canal Plus
Appearing on the Canal Plus program Détective Mathoux, Aurier addressed the long-standing fallout from the 2016 episode known as the “Periscope affair.” During a live internet stream at the time, the right-back insulted Blanc while interacting with viewers, prompting Paris Saint-Germain to suspend him indefinitely before later reintegrating him into the squad.
“Cher coach, si tu savais comme je regrette. Dix ans sont passés, et je n’arrête pas de penser à vous. Je n’en pensais pas un mot,” Aurier said on the broadcast, offering a direct plea for forgiveness nearly a decade after the controversy.
The 2016 Champions League Fallout
Paris Saint-Germain dropped Aurier from the matchday squad for the encounter at the Parc des Princes. Blanc, a 1998 World Cup winner with France, publicly condemned the remarks at the time as “pitoyable” (pitiful).
Despite the severe disciplinary action, Aurier eventually returned to the pitch for the Parisian club, featuring in the Champions League quarterfinals against Manchester City a month and a half later.
Aurier Manages RC Lens Under-15s and Invites Blanc
Aurier has since transitioned into coaching, currently managing the under-15 side at Ligue 2 club RC Lens.
“Parlons en autour d’un café. Je vous invite, j’insiste. Je vous en prie coach, pardonnez-moi,” Aurier said.
Blanc has remained out of management since parting ways with Saudi Professional League club Al-Ittihad in September 2025. It remains unconfirmed whether the former manager will publicly respond to the invitation.
