The incident caused a real shock in the environment of Olympique de Marseille. While he was about to join the Moroccan selection for the international break, Nayef Aguerd was attacked this Monday at Marignane airport. A surreal scene which surprised even in the Marseille ranks, as she intervenes in a context where the defender had just established himself as one of the major recruits of the Roberto de Zerbi project.
Aguerd victim of an assault, OM under pressure
According to information from BFM Marseille Provence, an individual approached Aguerd in the VIP lounge of the airport to ask him for a selfie and his telephone number, before breeding his voice and then trying to slap him. The rapid intervention of the security service made it possible to prevent the situation from degenerating more. The attacker was arrested and heard by the police, while the player, pressed to take his flight for Morocco, did not have time to file a complaint. Faced with this event, OM has so far published no official press release, but several votes close to the club have already expressed their solidarity to the defender.
If Pablo Longoria and Roberto de Zerbi chose not to speak publicly in the immediate future, support quickly manifested on social networks. Accounts of supporters such as @Forzaomsoldat have relayed messages of solidarity to the attention of Aguerd, denouncing an “unacceptable” act. On the forums dedicated to the club, many demand a strong speaking of management to condemn this incident and reassure the Marseille environment on the security of its players.
The club faced with its responsibilities
This lack of official communication does not go unnoticed. The local media, including RMC Sport and BFM Marseille, underline the need for the club to react publicly. Such a speaking would be essential to mark the support of the institution towards his player and send a clear message on the importance of the security of the team members. It would also defuse any controversy to come around the incident.
Beyond the emotion aroused by this assault, the case questions the protection devices of professional players when they travel. Aguerd, arrived this summer from West Ham and author of promising beginnings (7 games, 1 goal), remains focused on his international deadlines with the Atlas Lions. But OM will quickly clarify its position and perhaps strengthen its safety measures to prevent this type of incident from happening again. In the meantime, the supporters hope for a strong message from the management to turn the page on this regrettable episode.
