Strasbourg’s climb up the Ligue 1 table is being overshadowed by fan unrest after Emanuel Emegha’s planned move to Chelsea. The club, now a Champions League contender since BlueCo’s 2023 takeover, faces ongoing protests, with ultras staging 15-minute strikes and issuing statements condemning management decisions. Fans have targeted both BlueCo and Marc Keller, who sold the club to the owners, demanding he “face his responsibilities.”
Recent Chelsea-linked transfers, including Ben Chilwell and Ishé Samuels-Smith, have fueled resentment over Strasbourg being treated as a feeder club. Banners criticizing the handling of players and calling Emegha a “pawn of BlueCo” greeted news of his future move, despite his insistence on staying focused with Strasbourg until season’s end.
Strasbourg’s spending spree of €110m on 18 players has made them Ligue 1’s top spenders after PSG, yet supporters remain fixated on past hardships. Manager Liam Rosenior’s appeals for applause after a 1-0 win over Le Havre were met with boos, reflecting lingering distrust. The victory, secured by Joaquín Panichelli’s late penalty, lifts Strasbourg to fifth in the league, level with third-placed Monaco, keeping them in the Champions League race—but fan approval remains elusive.
