Igor Paixão’s walk towards the Marseille bench carried a flash of frustration in Troyes on Sunday night, even as OM left with a 2-0 victory. Substituted in the 87th minute for Faris Moumbagna, the Brazilian forward did not take Bruno Genesio’s offered hand.
Genesio briefly held Paixão back after the apparent snub, but the player continued towards the touchline without reacting. The moment, later widely circulated on social media, came after another difficult individual display from Marseille’s most expensive signing.
Quick facts
- Igor Paixão was replaced by Faris Moumbagna in the 87th minute at Troyes.
- Marseille won the match 2-0.
- Bruno Genesio played down the incident after full-time.
- Paixão has yet to score this season despite staying at OM during the summer.
- Marseille host Olympiacos in the Europa League on Thursday before visiting Angers on Sunday.
The Marseille coach saw no need to turn the episode into a larger issue. Genesio said Paixão was likely upset, either by being taken off or by his own performance, and added that such reactions can happen.
Genesio stressed that the winger remains backed by both his manager and the squad. He also pointed to the work done to keep Paixão at the club, following a summer in which his future had been under discussion.
It was, Genesio said, a demanding evening for Marseille’s attacking players. OM did not create enough openings or situations capable of pulling Troyes out of shape, leaving Paixão short of the influence expected from him.
The reaction drew sharper criticism elsewhere. Kévin Diaz described Paixão’s conduct as unacceptable, arguing that a sporting director should immediately summon the player and his agent after such an exchange.
Diaz’s complaint was framed against Marseille’s current pressure and Paixão’s status as the costliest recruit in club history. The Brazilian remains without a goal at the beginning of the campaign.
Marseille now move quickly into a European week. Olympiacos visit on Thursday at 21:00 in the Europa League, before OM return to Ligue 1 action away to Angers on Sunday at 15:00.
