Sunderland shareholder Juan Sartori is causing annoyance at AS Monaco with his very public displays of love for the Black Cats.
That’s according to regional newspaper Corse Matin. They cover the Principality club today and how there is tension on and off the pitch. Not everything is going well, and as often happens the shareholders are being questioned about their commitment.
Things are shaky at every level at the club. They’ve lost six of their last seven on the pitch and need to start winning soon to get back towards their Champions League games.
Off the pitch, things are even worse. They are suffering from a loss of revenue linked to domestic TV rights. They have dropped from €40m to €9m in two season in that regard. That’s led to measures to help balance the books, including selling players. They still need €20m of sales before June 30th.
Inevitably, Monaco fans are not happy with the situation
‘Notably wearing the Sunderland shirt’
Sunderland
Last Saturday, they interrupted the cup match in Orléans, throwing flares onto the pitch. They’re criticising the management but also an ‘absent, distant presidency’. This, they feel, is exemplified by the vice presidents Ekaterina Rybolovleva, daughter of owner Dmitry Rybolovlev, and her husband, the Uruguayan Juan Sartori.
The latter in particular is causing anger. He ‘never hesitates’ to showcase himself on social media. This is often with his family and ‘notably wearing the Sunderland shirt’. He owns 36% of the Black Cats and is clearly a big fan. However, his consistent Sunderland love is causing tension around Monaco.
We’re sure that tension has been added to this season as Sunderland have impressed on their return to the Premier League. While more positive results will be welcomed in the North East, it seems they may only add to the growing tension across the Channel.
Satori, meanwhile, probably doesn’t care too much what is thought of his Sunderland shirts.
