“Pawn” – Fan criticism could ruin Chelsea’s controversial sister club’s success | OneFootball

Chelsea’s relationship with Strasbourg is working well, at least as far as the clubs are concerned.

The French club had a brilliant season last year, making it into Europe. They’ve started this season well too. On Sunday night the French club beat Le Havre to move into joint 3rd place in Ligue 1.

They had players starting who they had signed from Chelsea, some they have loaned from Chelsea, and others they were able to keep hold of thanks to money from Chelsea’s owners.

Strasbourg forced to pay the price for Chelsea support

Emanuel Emegha at Cobham after signing for Chelsea.

Of course it’s not a one way street – the French club have to give up talent too. The biggest example thus far has been Emanuel Emegha. The striker has been superb for the French side, and was last week announced to be heading to Chelsea next summer for  €40m – time times what the Alsatians paid to Sturm Graz.

The fans of Strasbourg, already understandably frustrated by becoming the little brother of a foreign club, weren’t happy. A banner in the stands during Sunday’s game read:

“Emegha, BlueCo pawn. After changing your shirt, give back your armband,” directed at their captain.

Rosenior backs his player after fan criticism

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior spoke after the game in strong terms about his thoughts on it all:

“Emanuel Emegha was devastated and so was I,” the former Hull boss said after the game.

“Seeing banners against one of the best players last season is unacceptable. My players deserve much more.”

Rosenior’s team have made a great start to the season, following on from their success last year. We really hope this doesn’t derail them. It will interesting to see whether success on the pitch can keep a lid on the tensions in the stands.