Racing Club de Strasbourg president Marc Keller has issued a strong rebuke against protests orchestrated by a faction of the club`s ultras, declaring that disciplinary measures will be implemented against these groups situated in the West Stand.
During Sunday`s 1-0 victory against Le Havre, Strasbourg supporters unfurled a banner demanding Keller`s departure, stating: “Marc Keller, thank you for this golden decade. It`s time to leave.” These fan groups also released a statement accusing the long-serving president of having sold the club to BlueCo, the owners of Chelsea, thereby losing genuine power in crucial decision-making.
Keller, who has led the the RCSA project since 2012, addressed the controversy in a press conference on Thursday morning. He expressed profound disappointment, noting, “I witnessed 23,000 people leaving the stadium sad, disheartened, and even disgusted despite the win. I`ve received more messages of support in two days than when we achieved promotion to Ligue 1 or won the Coupe de la Ligue. What transpired on Sunday was unimaginable to me. A minority in the West Stand attacked the institution, the project, and our captain. This is utterly unacceptable.”
The Strasbourg president was particularly distressed by the criticism directed at striker and club captain Emmanuel Emegha. “Those attacks caused me the deepest hurt. They do not align with our values. This club operates like a family. Since 2012, we maintained a unique relationship with the West Stand, even during our time in the National league. However, this dynamic has shifted over the past two years. Sunday undeniably crossed a line.”
Keller confirmed that corrective actions would be initiated immediately against the involved ultras. “We will roll out a series of measures targeting the West Stand supporter groups starting this afternoon.”
Deputy general director Alain Plet provided further details on the impending sanctions, explaining that the club intends to re-evaluate and restructure its relationship with the ultras after more than a decade built on trust. “Some individuals crossed a clear boundary. We will proceed carefully but firmly. A new operational framework will be established, with evolving measures set to take effect from Friday.”
