On Friday evening, Marseille played Atletico Madrid in their final preseason friendly. Under normal circumstances, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg would have worn the captain's armband for Marseille, but that was not the case.
The reaction to Hojbjerg's decision to reject a move to Newcastle United has been quick from owner Frank McCourt at the Orange Velodrome. Despite Marseille and Newcastle reaching a total agreement on a £15 million transfer, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder chose to turn down the offer, leaving the French club's hierarchy fuming.
Consequently, Timothy Weah wore the armband, taking over the role from Hojbjerg, who had worn it throughout the entire preseason.
Marseille coach Bruno Genesio said the decision to strip Hojbjerg of the armband came from above.
"It is a decision dictated to me by the club's management. To be completely honest - and I intend to be - it is not a decision I agree with. But I am an employee, and I have obligations to fulfil," he told L'Equipe.
This suggests that Marseille owner Frank McCourt may have played a role in the matter. McCourt has certainly previously been reported as being very unhappy that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg did not accept the move to Newcastle.
Olympique Marseille open their Ligue 1 season on Friday, August 21st, at home against Strasbourg.
