In Marseille, a forecourt called Tappe

A birthday present

It is a vast mineral esplanade that few people visit outside of match days, but which becomes the scene of all passion when Olympique de Marseille plays at the Stade Velodrome (8.^e). This large forecourt, which provides access to the President’s Stand and its South Bend, will soon be named after businessman and former club owner Bernard Tapp, who died on 3 October 2021. He is a different left-wing mayor. Marcel Benoit Payan, who announced this in person on Thursday, May 25, exclusively Provence, Bernard Tapp’s old diary. “It was our duty and responsibility to do that. explained the chosen one, on the eve of the incredible celebrations that lit up his city on the 30th anniversary of OM’s victory in the Champions League final on May 26, 1993.

forever first

Arriving at Marseille in 1986 at the request of then-mayor Gaston Defery (PS) to take over a bloodless OM, Bernard Tapie led the club to the most prestigious European football title seven years later. No French formation has been published since. Meanwhile, his team, composed of French and international stars, won four championships and the French Cup, and his president began with transfers and communications “ Football business “. Since that time, the businessman earned a nickname from the supporters of the Olympians: “Chief”. Two years ago, several thousand of them followed his coffin with pagan fervor. and Friday, May 26, while the cast of Victory The crowd greeted him from the balcony of the City Hall in 1993 and chanted his name several times.

selective memory

In Marseille, several voices are questioning the municipal decision to name a public place after a person who has been convicted several times. “After his death, the positive face of a charismatic character prevails », Analyzed by sociologist Ludovic Lestrelin, specialist in supporter research. “This is not about a politician or a businessman who was complex and extraordinary. I maintain the image of a sports leader” He cleans himself Provence Benoit Payan, who came to set the mood during the OM-Brest match on Saturday, May 27, with a microphone in his hand, in the southern corner. However, Bernard Tapp was also at the heart of the Valenciennes player corruption case, which resulted in European exploitation and led to an avalanche of sanctions against the club. This corruption sentenced the “Boss” to two years in prison, including eight months on appeal.