Adrien Rabiot faced a tumultuous return to the Parc des Princes on March 16, 2025, as he played for Olympique de Marseille against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The match turned sour for Rabiot, who found himself the target of harsh insults and degrading banners aimed not just at him but also at his family during the high-stakes 'Classique,' which ended with PSG winning 3-1.
This encounter marks the first time Rabiot faced the PSG crowd as part of OM after leaving the club under contentious circumstances back in 2019. The midfielder was met with resounding boos and songs laced with profanity from the stands. Perhaps most disturbingly, some banners referenced his mother, Véronique, who has been instrumental as both his parent and agent throughout his career, and made painful allusions to his late father, Michel Rabiot, who passed away from complications following a stroke.
“Insulting a mother and a deceased father... Everything will be paid one day. You won't take it with you to paradise. Believe me,” Rabiot responded vehemently via his Instagram story, clearly shaken but resolute. He also had words for PSG's president, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, expressing discontent with the culture of hostility displayed by the supporters.
Véronique Rabiot, deeply distressed by the events, articulated her frustration and confusion over the lack of intervention during the match. She stated to franceinfo, “I don’t understand why the match wasn’t stopped... why no one is outraged.” Following the incidents, she expressed her commitment to press charges, asserting, “I am determined. Because it has gone too far, it’s too much.” This pledge was later confirmed to AFP, underscoring her intent to seek accountability for the insults hurled at her family.
Following the events, OM announced plans to join the complaint, condemning the behavior of PSG fans. “Olympique de Marseille condemns with the greatest firmness the banners displayed and the insulting, racist, and discriminatory chants from the stands of the Parc des Princes,” read the club’s statement.
The broader football community reacted swiftly to the incident. Philippe Diallo, the President of the French Football Federation (FFF), decried the abhorrence of the insults and actions witnessed at the match. “I condemn the banners and insulting chants seen and heard yesterday at the Parc des Princes... They are shameful and revolting,” he said, reflecting the dismay felt across the sport.
Social media was abuzz with outrage as well. Benoît Payan, the mayor of Marseille, affirmed, “The direct attacks on Adrien Rabiot and his family are intolerable,” and called for stronger action from the Ligue de football professionnel (LFP). Meanwhile, Karl Olive, deputy from Yvelines and member of the LFP’s council, announced he had contacted the ethics committee to address behaviors resembling those of criminals off the field. “We need to treat stadium delinquents the same way as those committing crimes elsewhere, without leniency or compassion,” Olive stated.
Even PSG took steps to distance itself from the incident, emphasizing through statements its disapproval of any endeavors undermining dignity and the need for exemplary behavior among fans. “We will not solve this alone... This is not just about Parc des Princes and PSG,” one club official explained, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to address the rampant toxicity encountered at sporting events.
It remains to be seen what sanctions may be imposed on PSG following this incident. Still, it has brought to light the urgent need for change within football stadiums, echoing sentiments from fans and players alike who yearn for respectful and safe environments to watch their teams compete.
The focus will now shift to the upcoming international fixtures for Rabiot, who has joined the French national team as they prepare for matches against Croatia on March 20 and 23. The tumultuous events of the week will likely remain within public discourse as reactions continue to pour in sympathy for the player and his family.
