It is not necessary to be known to the general public to be a great man. At FC Sochaux, Pierre Emonin was one, without a shadow of a doubt. In Bonal, at the training center or at Blum, it was “Pierrot”. Officially, this resident of Grand-Charmont was responsible for the controllers. But for this club that he loved so much, he was in fact much more than that. A multitasking employee, but also a volunteer for the Association as head of referees, he was above all an inseparable face of match evenings at Bonal for more than thirty years. In recent years, he notably took care of the official referees before and after home matches.
“A nice guy, very discreet, never the type to put himself forward,” remembers, moved, Jean-Claude Vienot, vice-president of the Association. Over the past few months, we have seen his health deteriorate. Which didn't stop him from remaining active. In the shadows, always. Like on July 14, 2023, where he sat quietly, in the corner of a stand, to observe the magnificent popular mobilization of supporters. In recent weeks, we haven't seen him anymore. And, obviously, we imagined that this was not a good sign.
Unfortunately, in the wake of its elimination in Guingamp, the FCSM learned what it feared. “Pierrot” Emonin died at the age of 81 and this news moved the entire yellow and blue community, according to the messages from former players and managers in recent hours. “It’s hard to take,” whispers President Clément Calvez. “This news affects a lot of people at the club. He was one of the figures of the FCSM and we will obviously pay tribute to him.”
L'Est Républicain presents its condolences to his loved ones, as well as to FC Sochaux.
