Ex-Arsenal Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Dropped by Olympique de Marseille After Wild Fire-Extinguisher Prank at Training Base
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been punished by Olympique de Marseille after a strange late-night episode at the club’s training centre resulted in disciplinary action ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Le Havre AC.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was excluded from Marseille’s clash with Le Havre after reportedly leading a fire-extinguisher prank at training.
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As reported by L’Équipe, the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward was removed from the squad after allegedly taking a leading role in an incident involving several teammates at Marseille’s sporting residence on Thursday evening.
Players are believed to have become increasingly irritated by repeated overnight stays at the facility. In an effort to lift spirits inside the camp, Aubameyang reportedly guided a group of around 10 squad members through different parts of the building, creating disruption late into the night.
The situation escalated when a fire extinguisher was allegedly used during the prank. Reports claim that Bob Tahri, a Marseille staff member responsible for supervising curfew rules at the training complex, was sprayed with the extinguisher’s contents.
Tahri’s belongings and bed were also reportedly covered during the disturbance. The Marseille official was said to be angered by the events and quickly informed senior club figures, prompting immediate discussions regarding possible sanctions.
Marseille’s leadership responded rapidly. Interim president Alban Juster and incoming president Stéphane Richard met with the squad on Friday to review exactly what had happened during the attempted “atmosphere-building” exercise.
Although multiple players were involved in the events, the club chose to discipline Aubameyang because of his reported role in organising the prank. His omission from the squad travelling to Le Havre underlines Marseille’s stance on maintaining discipline within the team environment.
The veteran striker has since apologised directly to Tahri and also addressed the Marseille hierarchy over the disruption. Despite the controversy, Aubameyang has still produced solid numbers this season, recording 13 goals and 10 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
