Jérôme Rothen Faces Backlash Over Champions League Taunts: Eric Di Meco Accuses Him of Taking Victory “Personally”
The Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) 5-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena, has sparked controversy, with former Olympique de Marseille (OM) player Eric di Meco accusing RMC presenter Jérôme Rothen of excessive taunting towards Marseille supporters. The win marked PSG as the most decorated French club in European competitions, surpassing OM, the previous sole French Champions League winner.
The friction stems from comments Rothen made during PSG’s victory celebrations at the Parc des Princes on June 1st, exclaiming, “To have been the first to win two European cups, the Marseillais are upset!” This remark, according to Di Meco, was taken personally. He revealed on Rothen’s own show, Rothen ignites, that he “badly experienced” the chambering from his colleague and friend.
Rothen defended his actions during the same broadcast, emphasizing his role as a former PSG player with over 200 appearances for the club. “Eric you know it, and the Marseillais know it… I just have the cap of former PSG player and the pride of having the sensation and that the club put forward its elders and communicated saying that if he had the Champions league it was also thanks to all the elders,” he explained, referencing the club’s acknowledgement of past players.
He further clarified that playful rivalry is inherent in the sport. “The chambering has always been part of the game and you know Eric very well,” Rothen stated. He also pointed out that his show receives input from fans of all clubs, including Marseille, and that prior to the match, he’d received complaints from OM supporters alleging Inter Milan had been “bought” by PSG.
Rothen insisted his program is “general public and brings together all the passions of football,” and that the Marseille-Paris rivalry is a natural component of that passion. He acknowledged the celebratory atmosphere included “chambering” but maintained he wouldn’t exclude Marseille supporters from his show.
