Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024
Occasional Digest - a story for you

STRASBOURG’S angry ultras plan to march in protest over the club’s links to Chelsea.

Patrick Vieira’s youthful side have slumped to fifth bottom in Ligue 1.

Strasbourg manager Patrick Vieira has argued the club will reap long-term benefits from links with Chelsea2

Strasbourg manager Patrick Vieira has argued the club will reap long-term benefits from links with ChelseaCredit: Rex
Strasbourg supporters are unhappy following the club's takeover by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly last summer

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Strasbourg supporters are unhappy following the club’s takeover by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly last summerCredit: Getty

Todd Boehly’s BlueCo took over Strasbourg last summer – leading to a transfer focus on signing played aged 21 or under

But many fans believe that policy only benefits Boehly’s Chelsea.

That’s because, whereas the Blues can judge the progress of those starlets at an arm’s distance, Strasbourg have a team lacking experience.

Strasbourg supporters were also unhappy that club president Marc Keller kept his job following the takeover by Boehly.

Now the ultras are ready to march at the end of this month against what they see as the unwanted influence of the Blues’ co-owner.

Former Crystal Palace boss Vieira has previously defended the transfer arrangement – insisting it will eventually help Strasbourg prosper.

The Arsenal legend told L’Equipe. earlier this season: “Perhaps people outside don’t see the progression as quickly as they would like.

“But we can’t be blinded by the fact that we’re linked to Chelsea.

 “You have to look at things globally with last season and next season as well.

“My team has lost players and some other key players were present in pre-season before ultimately leaving, when we had to hope of keeping them.”

Fans can’t believe what Tim Sherwood said to Cole Palmer on live TV as Chelsea star is left looking awkward

French World Cup winner Vieira, 47, has so far seen just two players arrive on loan from Stamford Bridge – both Brazilians aged 19

Winger Angelo Gabriel was borrowed for the whole campaign after Chelsea bought the Under-20 international from Santos for £13million.

And £16m ex-Vasco da Gama midfielder Andrey Santos, who has one full cap, joined Strasbourg in January.

Santos cut short a mediocre loan spell with Nottingham Forest in January to  switch to France.

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