Liam Rosenior Involved in Post-Match Brawl After Paris FC Beat Strasbourg
Paris FC stayed unbeaten with a hard-earned home victory over Strasbourg, but the final whistle was followed by a major confrontation involving players and staff after Liam Rosenior reacted to chants from the visiting end.
Paris FC hold on after late pressure
Ilan Kebbal and Pablo Pagis put Paris FC in control in the capital before Moustapha Mbow’s late own goal gave Strasbourg a route back into the contest. The home side saw out the closing stages to secure another three points.
- Kebbal opened the scoring for Paris FC.
- Pagis added a second for the hosts.
- Mbow’s own goal created a nervous finish.
- Paris FC preserved the win and remain undefeated after five Ligue 1 matches.
The result gives Rosenior’s side three wins from their opening five fixtures and leaves them among the early pacesetters, above Paris Saint-Germain at this point of the campaign.
Rosenior’s celebration sparks on-pitch clash
Rosenior turned towards the travelling Strasbourg supporters immediately after the match, beating his chest, gesturing towards the away section and lifting his arms. The response was instant, with roughly 30 members of the two clubs’ playing and backroom groups drawn into a heated pushing confrontation on the pitch.
The Paris FC coach said his actions were aimed at only a small group of Strasbourg followers whom he believed had made insulting remarks about his family.
“A small part of the Strasbourg support disrespected my family,” Rosenior said. “I understand what was being said and my bench were upset. But I want to be clear that it was only a small section. Strasbourg is a fantastic club, with good people working there and good supporters.”
Former Strasbourg boss explains response
Rosenior said the celebration was also directed at people who, in his view, had opposed his success during his time with Strasbourg.
“It was a message to people who never wanted me to succeed at that club,” he said, declining to expand further.
He later insisted he still holds Strasbourg in high regard, while maintaining that the chants had crossed an unacceptable line.
- Rosenior spent 18 months in charge of Strasbourg.
- He then moved to fellow BlueCo club Chelsea.
- His Chelsea spell lasted 106 days before his April dismissal.
- He was sacked after five straight matches without his side scoring.
“The people at Strasbourg who know me know I have always respected the club and wanted the best for it,” Rosenior said. “I still want the best for them. But I understood the chants and the language, and that went too far. It is a great club, in a great city, with a strong tradition. My reaction came for many reasons.”
What happens next
Rosenior must now turn attention back to Paris FC’s strong start. The capital side have established an early platform in Ligue 1, but their next task is to maintain that momentum after an emotionally charged reunion with his former club.
