On the 23rd of February, the prefecture of Bouches-du-Rhône shines brightly as the prefect of police, Frédérique Camilleri, celebrates her departure from Marseille after three years and three months in office. She is being transferred to Essonne and has invited prominent figures from the vibrant city of Marseille, where she had to deal with narcobanditism, unprecedented urban riots, and social unrest. Among the local officials, law enforcement representatives, and other dignitaries, Rachid Zeroual, the leader of the South Winners, the main supporter club of the Olympique de Marseille (OM), stands out with his snow-white beard. Despite his reputation as a former ultra who once claimed he could “take out the presidents of OM,” Zeroual has built a prominent position that extends beyond football.
Zeroual, a fervent supporter of the club for thirty-seven years, has also been involved in social activism and political advocacy, making him a significant figure in Marseille. He explains that he was invited to the farewell event by the prefect because they had worked together on various issues and there was mutual respect. Despite his past criminal convictions, including a nine-month prison sentence for his alleged involvement in the attack on OM’s training center in January 2021, Zeroual maintains his innocence and continues to defend his actions. This incident led to the departure of the club’s former president, Jacques-Henri Eyraud, and was the third time Zeroual had been sentenced to prison.
In addition to his legal troubles, Zeroual was involved in a national controversy in 2023 when the seven supporter groups of OM expressed their anger towards the club’s management due to a disappointing start to the season, a humiliating elimination from the Champions League, and an increase in ticket prices. The tense meeting led to the resignation of the club’s president, Pablo Longoria, and the coach, Marcelino García Toral. Despite these challenges and controversies, Zeroual remains a prominent figure in Marseille, known for his passion for the city and his dedication to the local community.
Zeroual’s presence at the farewell event for the prefect of police highlights his influence and stature in Marseille, transcending his reputation as a former ultra supporter. Despite his past conflicts with the law and involvement in controversial incidents, Zeroual continues to be recognized for his activism, social work, and political engagement in the city. His relationship with the authorities, including the police and local government officials, demonstrates the complexity of his role in Marseille’s community and the respect he has garnered over the years. As he moves forward, Zeroual remains a polarizing figure, admired by some and condemned by others, but undeniably a significant presence in the city’s social and political landscape.
