Footballers Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe are set to face each other again on the field during the Milan-Bologna match, an encounter that rekindles memories of a dramatic locker room altercation between the two in Marseille. Both were teammates under coach Roberto De Zerbi when a heated dispute in the changing room, following a defeat to Rennes, led to their transfers from the club.
Adrien Rabiot (left) and Jonathan Rowe (right)
What Happened
The incident unfolded on August 15, after Marseille`s loss. Shouts and commotion emanating from the locker room were audible even in the adjacent press room, making it impossible to keep the dispute a secret. This episode quickly escalated into a “media psychodrama” for De Zerbi`s squad, culminating in the sale of both players: Rowe to Bologna and Rabiot to AC Milan. Now, the former teammates will meet as rivals on the pitch.
Initially, Rabiot was not directly involved. The argument began with goalkeeper Rulli reprimanding Rowe for his perceived lack of defensive effort. These reproaches, which started on the field after the final whistle, continued into the locker room. When Rowe reacted, Rabiot intervened, and the situation rapidly deteriorated. According to reports from “L`Equipe,” Rabiot reportedly grabbed Rowe by the neck, with other teammates struggling to separate them. The changing room descended into total chaos, filled with reciprocal insults and shoves. Young player Bakola even fainted and required medical attention amidst the scuffle. Once a semblance of calm was restored, coach De Zerbi emphasized the importance of showing “courage” on the field, not in the changing room.
The Brawl Continues
However, the drama wasn`t over. After most of the team had boarded the bus, Rowe decided to return, ostensibly to check on Bakola. He found Rabiot still in the locker room and attacked him again. A second brawl ensued, which was only broken up by the intervention of sporting director Benatia and several security personnel. Initial media leaks surfaced over the weekend, and by Monday, the club officially announced that both players were on the transfer list.
Rowe had already been considered for transfer since early summer, attracting interest from Atalanta before Bologna stepped in. Rabiot`s departure, however, came as a surprise, as he was central to the team`s project. His exclusion was perceived as a “betrayal” by the player and his entourage, who subsequently accepted AC Milan`s offer. Despite their past conflict, the two have since reconciled, having been forced to train separately together while awaiting their respective transfers to Serie A.
