Strasbourg fans turn on ‘Pawn of BlueCo’ Emanuel Emegha after Chelsea transfer: “Give back your captain’s armband!” | OneFootball

Emmanuel Emegha is under fire from his own supporters, according to the Algemeen Dagblad. Last week, it was announced that the striker will play for Chelsea starting next season, and this has seemingly opened a rift between Strasbourg and their West London-based partner club.

During this weekend’s RC Strasbourg match against Le Havre, home supporters unveiled a banner that read: “Emegha, pawn of BlueCo” and “Give back your captain’s armband now that you’ve changed shirts.” The Dutch U21 international Emegha has reportedly been hugely affected by the reaction.

Strasbourg fans have taken aim at BlueCo, the investment consortium formed by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. It was originally founded to acquire Chelsea, and later also acquired Strasbourg to pursue a multi-club ownership model.

The Ligue 1 club’s supporters have spoken out against BlueCo several times in the past. They believe the club has lost its identity after falling into the hands of investors. “We are the Chelsea B team,” a member of the Strasbourg supporters’ association said a few months ago. Worries have no doubt arisen, given the example and downfall of Vitesse after their time as a Chelsea plaything came to an end.

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior responded to the banners: “Emegha is devastated, as am I.” Rosenior also called Emegha one of the best players of last season. “Negative banners about such players are unacceptable; my players deserve better.”

The coach was clear about the striker’s captaincy: “It won’t change anything, Emegha will remain captain as long as he’s here.”

Emegha has been playing for Strasbourg since the 2023/24 season. He has scored 26 goals in 64 matches. Strasbourg won the match against Le Havre 1-0 thanks to a late penalty, although Emegha was not included in the squad.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield