Olympique de Marseille (OM) has a reputation for being fiercely protective of its image, often taking legal action to defend its reputation. Recently, the club has turned its attention to journalists, filing complaints against media outlets and individuals. Following a complaint against RTL last week, OM has now targeted Chaîne l’Équipe and its journalist, Sébastien tarrago, for remarks deemed offensive by the club’s leadership.
in a strongly worded statement, OM declared, “Consistent with its recent stance, Olympique de Marseille will no longer tolerate any derogatory remarks directed at the club, its executives, staff, or supporters.” The club specifically referenced comments made by Tarrago during a sports program aired on Sunday,January 19,labeling them as “unacceptable.”
Official press release from Olympique de Marseille.
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) January 20, 2025
While the exact comments were not detailed in the press release, it is believed that Tarrago referred to OM president Pablo Longoria as a “retarded teenager.” This remark has sparked notable backlash from the club, which views it as a personal attack and a violation of its values.
“No apology can undo the harm caused by such inflammatory language, especially during a time when mental health awareness is being championed as a national priority,” the club stated. OM has vowed to pursue criminal charges against Tarrago, seeking both legal accountability and financial compensation for the damage caused.
A Pattern of Legal Action
This recent complaint is not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, on January 13, OM had taken similar action against RTL. The club expressed its dismay over comments made during a debate on the station’s program, “On Replay the Match,” where journalists allegedly used terms like “sulphurous,” “threats,” and “detestable practices” to describe OM’s operations.
OM condemned these remarks as “false and defamatory,” emphasizing that such accusations tarnish the club’s reputation. In response, the club filed a defamation lawsuit, underscoring its commitment to protecting its integrity and public image.
These legal actions highlight OM’s zero-tolerance policy toward what it perceives as slanderous or harmful commentary.By taking a firm stance, the club aims to set a precedent, ensuring that media coverage remains fair and respectful.
olympique de Marseille (OM) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding its reputation, this time by taking legal action against media outlets and journalists.The club, known for its fierce protectiveness of its image, has recently filed complaints against RTL and, more recently, Chaîne l’Équipe and its journalist, Sébastien Tarrago. The remarks made by Tarrago were deemed offensive by OM’s leadership, prompting the club to issue a strongly worded statement reaffirming its stance.
In the statement, OM declared, “Consistent with its recent stance, Olympique de Marseille will no longer tolerate any derogatory or defamatory remarks that tarnish the club’s image. We are committed to defending our reputation and will take all necessary legal actions to ensure that our values and integrity are respected.”
This move by OM highlights the growing tension between sports organizations and the media, notably in an era where public perception is heavily influenced by media narratives. The club’s decision to take legal action against prominent media outlets underscores its determination to control its narrative and protect its brand from what it perceives as unfair or damaging coverage.
However, this approach has sparked a debate about the balance between a club’s right to defend its reputation and the media’s role in providing critical and independent coverage. Critics argue that OM’s actions could set a precedent for other clubs to stifle journalistic freedom, potentially leading to a chilling effect on sports journalism. On the other hand, supporters of the club’s stance believe that it is essential for organizations to take a stand against what they view as irresponsible reporting.
As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this legal battle impacts the relationship between OM and the media. Will this lead to a more cautious approach from journalists covering the club, or will it embolden others to push back against what they see as an overreach by the association? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: OM’s commitment to defending its reputation remains as strong as ever.
