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OM-PSG: tackles, low blows, provocations ... the darkest memories of the clasicos

2021-02-06T07:52:23.334Z


The confrontation between OM and PSG, Sunday at the Vélodrome, will be the hundredth in history. Without an audience but not without tension, on both sides


The sporting and financial chasm that separates OM from PSG has been participating for ten years in distorting the French clasico.

While the Parisians chained the successes, sometimes very large, against the Marseillais, the disinterest for this poster of Ligue 1 grew.

It finally took a defeat in the Champions League final to revive the rivalry between fans and even between players on the model of the hot 1990s. This Sunday evening, OM and PSG meet at the Stade Vélodrome for the third time in the season and the hundredth time in history.

A symbolic course for a shock that promises to be as strange as it is electric.

“There is always pressure on these games.

It has to be good pressure, believes Laurent Fournier, former defensive midfielder of OM (1990-1991) and PSG (1991-1994, 1995-1998).

For PSG, I think it will be fine.

Marseille will have to pass over the latest events.

It's complicated but I think the players are able to move around to calm it down;

"

The context is loaded for this 100th clasico.

Parisians and Marseillais keep in mind the hot first leg, won by OM (1-0).

And the Marseille news (resignation of André Villas-Boas, sacking of the training center by the supporters, rumors of redemption) feeds a little more the immense tension which surrounds this meeting.

But this is nothing new.

"It was not violent, but aggressive"

As a player, then coach at PSG in the heart of the 2000s, Laurent Fournier experienced electric clasicos.

In December 1992, the Parc des Princes was the scene of the founding act of rivalry, symbolized by violent tackles.

“It was hot but these matches allowed you to pass a milestone in the European Cup, says Fournier.

It was not violent but aggressive.

Sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a bad way.

But I don't have bad memories.

We defended a jersey with an objective which was to give the best for his club.

The matches were of a high level even if, technically, it was complicated because there was intensity, aggressiveness.

But it was good!

"

Fortunately, the athlete, the goals, the tackles, the refereeing decisions remain the main memories of everyone around the first 99 clasicos in history.

Some will evoke an overwhelming Marseille victory in 1986 (4-0), achieved in particular thanks to the presence of… defender Philippe Jeannol in the goal during a full half-time.

Others will remember the great victories of PSG in Marseille, signed Ronaldinho, Pauleta or Ibrahimovic in electrifying atmospheres.

This Sunday evening, the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to prevent the presence of the public at the Vélodrome.

Without a spectator, it is impossible to hear a stadium vibrate or even to see it silenced as on a direct free kick from Cavani.

PSG already confined in 2009

Unfortunately, the extra-sportsman also permeates vivid memories for all.

The clasico of October 16, 2005 mixes a revenge (goal of Lorik Cana), a rumor (presence of the ex-actress X Clara Morgane) and a scent of ammonia.

“It was intimidation, assures Laurent Fournier, coach during this foul-smelling match.

Me, that did not destabilize me too much but maybe the players, yes

(laughs)

.

The changing of the locker room was complicated, having to stand on the other side under the supporters' stand… There, something had to happen.

"

Among the strangest OM-PSG, the one scheduled in October 2009 resonates particularly today.

Ten years before the coronavirus, avian flu, known as H1N1, landed in France.

With several positive cases, including Mamadou Sakho or Ludovic Giuly, PSG found themselves confined to their hotel in Marseille and the match canceled the same day.

A decision that unleashes the supporters present.

The afternoon scuffles will leave around ten injured.

The 100th clasico will take place.

And he will inevitably reserve memorable scenes, as in the first leg between Neymar and Alvaro.

See you this Sunday evening, 9 p.m.

Source: leparis

All sports articles on 2021-02-06

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