Roberto De Zerbi 'very unhappy' about suspension as Marseille boss stresses he 'didn't offend anyone' after red card in fiery end to PSG win

On Monday, while Ousmane Dembele lifted the Ballon d'Or in a ceremony in Paris, Marseille recorded a historic win over Paris Saint-Germain in a Ligue 1 encounter that was rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions. But while Marseille weathered the storm and registered their first home win over PSG in 14 years, De Zerbi was sent off by the referee in the 90th minute.

In the aftermath of the game, France's LFP Disciplinary Committee reprimanded De Zerbi with a one-game ban as well as a one-game suspension. The statement read: "One match suspension and one match suspended from the bench, referees' locker room and all official duties." 

He will miss Friday's clash against Strasbourg, as well as next weekend's meeting with Metz. The ex-Brighton coach will, however, be present on the sidelines during midweek's Champions League clash against Ajax.

When questioned about the red card, De Zerbi admitted to making a mistake in a press conference on Thursday. "I'm very unhappy about it. I made a mistake, not in what I said because I didn't offend anyone. But in my body language," an apologetic De Zerbi acknowledged. 

"I still had [Real] Madrid on my mind. I saw [Achraf] Hakimi's foul and even though he got the ball, I still think it was a foul. I made a mistake because I always tell the players to behave properly and not get booked. It's my first red card, I've lowered my average in France compared to abroad. Tomorrow, no one will replace me, I have complete confidence in my assistant. The players will be more relaxed, they won't have me in their ears."

The Italian therefore admits personal responsibility but refutes any insults towards the referee.

De Zerbi is well aware of what is at stake, as a win on Friday over Strasbourg could see his team go top of the Ligue 1 table, even if only temporarily.

"Tomorrow will be more important than the Ajax match. I don't think Ajax is easier or less important, but Strasbourg is a really difficult match, and if we win, we'll be top of the table. It's always nice to see yourself so high in the standings. There's no better way to prepare for Ajax than to focus on tomorrow's match," said the coach.

Additional reporting by Patrick Tchanhoun.