OM: Riolo backs ultras' criticism of McCourt

Olympique Marseille’s supporters have found support from Daniel Riolo after directing their anger at owner Frank McCourt. The RMC commentator said the ultras were justified in questioning the American’s stewardship and would not be wrong to demand a change at the top of the club.

The criticism followed Marseille’s 3-2 home defeat by Paris FC on Sunday. It came after a 4-0 victory over Strasbourg in the opening match on August 21, when the south stand had already questioned the value of McCourt’s investment. During the Paris FC game, the Commando Ultra 84 displayed further messages aimed at the owner, including one that challenged his claims about the club’s financial health and asked whether he was a liar or incompetent.

Marseille endured a difficult summer, losing much of last season’s starting team, signing no players and sharply reducing its wage bill amid a financial crisis. The club also failed to reach the objectives set for it, intensifying the supporters’ frustration. McCourt has owned OM since 2016 and has invested almost €800 million since taking control.

Riolo argued that the scale of the spending no longer changes the supporters’ view after several years of unsuccessful decisions and appointments. He pointed to Lens, where spending was cut and the club reorganised its finances, as a contrast with Marseille’s later response to its problems.