The footballers Moffi and Jérémie Boga have been placed medical leave after the squad was confronted by supporters upon their return from a loss away to Lorient.
Incident Details
An estimated four hundred supporters converged on the club’s training centre Sunday evening. The pair faced verbal and physical abuse as they left the team bus once the group came under siege from hardcore fans furious about six straight defeats in all competitions. Sporting director Florian Maurice was also one of those targeted.
Two fans reportedly entered the coach to express their anger before the players, initially reluctant to leave, got off. One report states in France the players were spat at, punched, assaulted and targeted with racist slurs. Beyond potential physical harm, the players are understood to be emotionally distressed.
Official Reactions
Releasing a statement this Tuesday, the French professional football league (LFP) condemned the attacks and pledged support for those affected in seeking redress.
“These assaults, which are utterly unacceptable, compromise the dignity of the players and the sport's core values,” the statement read.
It announced that it will join as a claimant in any legal complaints by the players, in order to fully support their efforts and help ensure that all light is shed on these serious facts. It expressed complete solidarity with the impacted players and to OGC Nice, and reaffirms its determination to safeguard all individuals involved in football.
The club will wait for an official police report before determining its course of action. A potential option could be to press charges against those allegedly responsible. The upcoming match against Angers, not usually an occasion prone to tension, will now be played amid heightened security arrangements.
Team Context
Despite sitting 10th in Ligue 1, six points clear of the relegation zone, they have lost their past four domestic games and were beaten 5-1 at home by their bitter rivals Marseille on 21 November. They remain the sole team of 36 Europa League competitors to have zero points after five matches and lost 3-0 in Porto last Thursday. The club is owned by Jim Ratcliffe, who has a minority stake in Manchester United FC.
