Marseille manager Habib Beye made a disciplinary decision to drop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad for Sunday's Ligue 1 clash against Le Havre. The move comes after the veteran striker was involved in an off-field incident that saw him spray a fire extinguisher on a member of the club's staff and their personal belongings, according to sources.
The incident took place on Thursday night at the club's training facilities. Aubameyang, known for his sometimes mischievous personality, reportedly used a fire extinguisher to spray a staff member's belongings, leading to immediate disciplinary action from Beye.
Beye, who took over as Marseille manager earlier this season, has prioritized discipline and professionalism within the squad. The decision to drop Aubameyang for the trip to Le Havre sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Aubameyang is Marseille's leading scorer this season, with 15 goals in all competitions. His absence is a significant blow to the team's attacking options, as they face a Le Havre side that has been defensively solid at home.
The Gabon international has had a storied career, with stints at Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona before joining Marseille. He has been a key figure in the club's push for a European spot this season.
Without Aubameyang, Marseille will rely on players like Vitinha and Alexis Sanchez to lead the line. The team's tactical setup may shift to accommodate the absence of their star striker.
The incident has drawn comparisons to previous disciplinary issues in football, where players have been punished for pranks gone wrong. However, Beye's swift action underscores his commitment to maintaining a professional environment.
Marseille fans will be hoping that Aubameyang can quickly mend fences and return to the squad. The team has a crucial run of fixtures ahead, and his presence will be vital for their ambitions.
For now, Aubameyang's focus will be on regaining the trust of his manager and teammates. The club has not issued an official statement, but sources indicate that the matter has been handled internally.
Based on reporting from ESPN.
