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Strasbourg president Marc Keller to launch several measures against dissident supporter groups

Racing Club de Strasbourg president Marc Keller has strongly condemned the protests led by a section of the club’s ultras, announcing that measures will be taken against groups in the West Stand.

During Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Le Havre, a banner was unveiled by Strasbourg supporters calling for Keller’s departure: “Marc Keller, thank you for this golden decade. It’s time to leave.” The fans groups also released a statement accusing the long-serving president of having sold the club to BlueCo, owners of Chelsea, and of no longer holding real power in decision-making.

Keller, who has been at the head of the RCSA project since 2012, addressed the situation in a press conference on Thursday morning, transcribed by L’Équipe. “I saw 23,000 people leave the stadium sad, disappointed, and even disgusted despite the win. I have received more messages of support in two days than when we went up to Ligue 1 or won the Coupe de la Ligue. What happened Sunday is something I could never have imagined. A minority in the West Stand attacked the institution, the project, and our captain. That is unacceptable.”

The Strasbourg president was particularly hurt by criticism aimed at striker and club captain Emmanuel Emegha. “Those attacks pained me the most. They are not our values. This club is like a family. Since 2012, we had a special relationship with the West Stand, even in the National. But that has changed in the last two years. Sunday crossed a line.”

Keller confirmed that disciplinary action would be taken immediately against the ultras involved. “We will launch a number of measures against the West Stand supporter groups from this afternoon.”

Deputy general director Alain Plet elaborated on the coming sanctions, explaining that the club would reset its relationship with the ultras after more than a decade of trust. “Some people crossed the red line. We will act with discernment. A new framework will be imposed, with evolving measures effective from Friday.”GFFN | George Boxall