Dec 10, 2022; Al Khor, Qatar; France midfielder Adrien Rabiot (14) and England midfielder Bukayo Saka (17) fight for the ball during the first half of a quarterfinal game in the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al-Bayt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

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‘Never Seen Anything Like It’ – Marseille Manager De Zerbi Stunned by Clash Between Teammates Rabiot and Rowe

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted he was left “shocked” after a violent altercation between Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe in the aftermath of their 1-0 defeat to Rennes on the opening weekend of Ligue 1. The incident erupted in the dressing room following a stoppage-time loss to 10-man Rennes.

De Zerbi described the clash between Marseille teammates Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe as a “bar fight.” The Italian coach, who took charge of Marseille in 2024 after leaving Brighton, said the confrontation stunned both players and staff.

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has said that Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe's violent confrontation last Friday was like an "English pub fight." pic.twitter.com/aiHeHsSDv5
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 22, 2025

‘I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It in Football’ – De Zerbi

Marseille president Pablo Longoria described the incident as “extremely violent.” De Zerbi revealed that both players have since been placed on the transfer list, citing the severity of the situation. The Marseille manager told reporters,

“It was a bar fight, in front of the sporting director, in front of the coach, with a team-mate on the ground suffering a medical emergency. I’ve never seen anything like it in football.”

“For the first time in my career, I didn’t know what to say or what to do. I come from the streets, I’m used to fights, but this was different. Even the bodyguards, who are supposed to protect us from others, were trying to protect us from ourselves.”

Also Read: Does the transfer of Rasmus Højlund from United Fit Tactically at Napoli?

Rowe joined Marseille from Norwich initially on loan in 2024 before making the move permanent this summer. The England Under-21 forward has scored three times in 31 appearances and is already being linked with a switch to Bologna.

🚨🔴🔵 Bologna have agreed deal with Olympique Marseille for Jonathan Rowe.

€19m plus 10% sell-on clause, as @Santi_J_FM reported.

New winger coming soon for Vincenzo Italiano. pic.twitter.com/G8gGiDBsPZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2025

Rabiot signed for Marseille last September after leaving Juventus and netted 10 goals in 32 games last season. Capped 53 times by France, the midfielder has drawn interest from Monaco and Manchester United, who are seeking a defensive reinforcement. With two of their key squad members now set to depart, Marseille face the challenge of steadying the ship just one game into the new Ligue 1 campaign.

Also Read: Chelsea Owners Agree Deal to Sign Julio Enciso from Brighton

Meanwhile, Rabiot’s mother, Veronique, hit back at the club’s decision to offload her son, calling it a “betrayal” and even drawing comparisons with Mason Greenwood’s controversial move to the French club. De Zerbi strongly rejected the comments as he said, “I made him captain and gave him more attention and affection than I gave my own son. To compare this to Greenwood is unfair — this was a fight in the workplace, not private life.”

Adrien Rabiot

Jonathan Rowe

Ligue 1

Marseille

Roberto De Zerbi

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.