Aubameyang left out of Marseille squad for Ligue 1 victory due to prank

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s notable absence on Sunday in Olympique Marseille’s penultimate Ligue 1 fixture was conspicuous as Les Phocéens overcame Le Havre 1-0 away from home.

𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 converts from the penalty spot 👌 pic.twitter.com/uNEbhkQET9

— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) May 11, 2026

It was a notable omission in the midst of a tight battle for OM to qualify for UEFA club competition next season. The club from the south of France earned an important result after dropping points in five of their previous six league matches, moving into 6th place with the victory.

Coach Habib Beye decided to avoid the issue in his post-match comments but reports continued to leak out of the OM camp, and it has been revealed that a prank was the source of Aubameyang being dropped. When backroom staff member Bob Tahri was checking to make sure that players were following curfew rules, the Gabonese international sprayed Tahri and his personal items with a fire extinguisher.

Early rumors began to surface Saturday regarding the fire extinguisher incident but more prominent outlets have confirmed the rumors. Head coach Beye elected to drop Aubameyang in the midst of a tumultuous campaign that has been characterized by squad indiscipline and a lack of unity as well as results. Beye was asked about the controversy following Sunday’s victory:

“I have read and heard—here and there—reports of behavioral issues, and suggestions that I supposedly halted training because of certain players. I think you saw for yourselves this evening that there are absolutely no problems between my players and me.

As for the absence of certain players, you would have to direct that question elsewhere; that is the reality of the situation today. I prefer to focus on the players who are here—and once again, I value my entire squad—but above all, I want to highlight and celebrate what my boys—what the players—accomplished this evening.”

Après la victoire contre Le Havre lors de la 33e journée de Ligue 1, Habib Beye est resté très évasif concernant l’absence de Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lors de la rencontre. pic.twitter.com/27ZYvZqx4R

— L’Équipe (@lequipe) May 10, 2026

Mason Greenwood’s behavior has also been another reported source of indiscipline within the squad, prompting Beye to launch an offensive in later comments against the media.

Aubameyang’s decline in form

Aubameyang enjoyed a fruitful campaign earlier this season but has seen his form gradually decline. He has only scored one goal and provided no assists in his last nine appearances, which have included some dismal performances. His totals for the season are 13 goals and 9 assists in 40 appearances from all competitions.

OM finish up the campaign at home against Rennes. Considering the Gabonese forward’s struggles for form as well as increasing pressure on coach Beye, the veteran’s season could very well be over even with a crucial game coming up for the club’s continental ambitions next season.