The sporting crisis at OGC Nice has culminated in an attack by fans on the team and officials. One player has filed a complaint, and the league intends to join the lawsuit.
Six consecutive competitive defeats, 36th place out of 36 in the Europa League table and, most recently, an away defeat at bottom-of-the-table Lorient: OGC Nice is in the midst of a serious sporting crisis. The relationship between the team and some of the fans is also broken – and has now culminated in a sad incident.
As the club announced in a statement on Monday evening, a “large crowd” was waiting for the team at the training center late on Sunday evening when they returned from Lorient to express their displeasure. According to French media reports, the approximately 400 supporters set off smoke bombs, chanted hostile songs, and insulted players and officials.
When the front door of the bus was opened, several leaders of an ultra group reportedly stormed the vehicle. When the players finally left the bus after a delay, physical attacks are said to have occurred. Players were reportedly jostled, grabbed by the collar, and spat on.
According to witness statements, attacker Terem Moffi, Nice’s record transfer, was pulled by the hair and punched in the abdomen, among other things. His strike partner Jeremie Boga and sporting director Florian Maurice were also victims of the attacks. According to consistent media reports, Boga and Moffi are unable to work for several days and have filed a complaint against persons unknown.
The French league association LFP announced on Tuesday that it intends to join the complaints of those affected as a civil party. The aim is to “fully support the players and help ensure that these serious incidents are fully investigated.” The league further writes: ” These completely unacceptable attacks violate the integrity of the players and the values of soccer.“ The French players’ union UNFP also stated on Monday evening: ”This physical violence is unacceptable.” They said they had immediately contacted Boga and Moffi.
The Nice public prosecutor’s office has meanwhile launched an investigation. Several hearings have already been held in this context.
Only coach Haise is celebrated
The club itself has not yet commented on the details of the incident, but writes in a statement that “several club members were attacked” and are now receiving “full” support from the club. It said it understood the “frustration caused by poor performances and displays that are far removed from our values.” However, it said the riots were “unacceptable” and to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The team will not resume training until Wednesday. Coach Franck Haise, who had already offered his resignation to the club’s management last week, will remain in charge. However, the management is said to have rejected his resignation and stands behind the coach—as do the fans, incidentally. Haise was the only passenger on the bus who was celebrated with chants by the fans as he got off and encouraged to continue.
