Former Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe has been suspended by Olympique de Marseille after a significant incident in the dressing room following the club's disappointing 1-0 loss to Rennes in their Ligue 1 season opener. The match, which fell short of expectations for both players and supporters, has now been overshadowed by the altercation involving Rowe.
French media reports indicate that tensions escalated between Rowe, 21, and his teammate Adrien Rabiot, 29. What began as a disagreement reportedly intensified, necessitating intervention from other players and coaching staff as the situation grew heated, culminating in exchanges of threats.
Rowe's performance in the match had already attracted criticism, with some teammates expressing their dissatisfaction. As a direct result of the dressing room clash, both Rowe and Rabiot have been excluded from first-team training sessions and are set to miss Marseille's upcoming home game against newly-promoted Paris FC this weekend. Read more about Doyle Set for Wrexham Move as Canaries Stand Down.
The implications of this incident may extend beyond suspension, with speculation surrounding Rowe's future at the club. Serie A teams Roma and Bologna are reportedly monitoring the situation, potentially considering a transfer for the young winger. Read more about Ashton Shines as Crewe's Prodigy Before Untimely Exit.
Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille’s head coach, addressed the incident, stating, "The others beat us on the pitch, and we come in here and fight among ourselves." His remarks underscore the frustration and discontent within the squad as they grapple with a poor start to the season.
Rowe joined Marseille on loan last year, with the club obligated to purchase him this summer. His integration into the team has not been without controversy; he previously expressed a lack of motivation to coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, which led to his exclusion from first-team selection at the start of the previous season.
Attention will now turn to Marseille's next steps regarding Jonathan Rowe, as the club evaluates his future and the potential for him to regain his form in French football during this challenging chapter in his career.