STRASBOURG’S angry ultras plan to march in protest over the club’s links to Chelsea.
Patrick Vieira’s youthful side have slumped to fifth bottom in Ligue 1.
Todd Boehly’s BlueCo took over Strasbourg last summer – leading to a transfer focus on signing players aged 21 or under.
But many fans believe that policy only benefits Boehly’s Chelsea.
That’s because, whereas the Blues can judge the progress of those starlets at an arm’s distance, Strasbourg have a team lacking experience.
Supporters were also unhappy that club president Marc Keller kept his job following the takeover by Boehly.
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Now Strasbourg’s ultras are ready to march at the end of this month against what they see as the unwanted influence of the Blues’ co-owner.
Former Crystal Palace boss Vieira has previously defended the transfer arrangement – insisting it will eventually help his team prosper.
The Arsenal legend told L’Equipe earlier this season: “Perhaps people outside don’t see the progression as quickly as they would like.
“But we can’t be blinded by the fact that we’re linked to Chelsea.
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“You have to look at things globally with last season and next season as well.
“My team has lost players and some other key players were present in pre-season before ultimately leaving, when we had to hope of keeping them.”
French World Cup winner Vieira, 47, has so far seen just two players arrive on loan from Stamford Bridge – both Brazilians aged 19.
Winger Angelo Gabriel was borrowed for the whole campaign after Chelsea bought the Under-20 international from Santos for £13million.
And £16m ex-Vasco da Gama midfielder Andrey Santos, who has one full cap, joined Strasbourg in January.
Santos cut short a mediocre loan spell with Nottingham Forest in January to switch to France.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
