Why PSG did not hold a minute’s silence for Rolland Courbis | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain considered a minute’s silence for Rolland Courbis before their Coupe de France tie with Paris FC. They opted against it because of the risk of boos towards the former Marseille player and coach.

PSG hosted their neighbours in the round of 32 on Monday, hours after Courbis’s death, with the match finishing 0-1. According to L'Équipe, no silence was held before kick-off and this was not linked to Mamadou Sakho, who announced his retirement then took the ceremonial kick-off.

The European champions had weighed paying tribute to the Marseille-born figure. Fearing a hostile reaction, they decided not to stage such a moment in those circumstances.

PSG still marked his passing. President Nasser al-Khelaïfi sent condolences to Courbis’s wife, and the club posted on social media praising him as a passionate coach and a prominent pundit, remembered for his personality and love of the game.

A wreath will also be laid at Wednesday’s ceremony. The authorities issued no directive, leaving each club free to act as it wishes around upcoming matches.

Source: L'Équipe