PSG coach Galtier denies racism claims as Nice police open investigation

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PARIS, April 14 (Reuters) – Christophe Galtier has denied making racist remarks while coaching Ligue 1 club Nice as a preliminary investigation into “discrimination based on alleged race or religion” was launched. opened Friday by the parquet floor of Nice.

The allegation was made in emails from Julien Fournier, the former director of football at Nice. Galtier, now Paris St Germain coach, led Nice in the 2021-22 season.

“There is a preliminary investigation for discrimination based on presumed race or religion. The headquarters of OGC Nice is being searched,” Nice prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme said on Friday.

According to website RMC Sport, Fournier’s emails alleged that Galtier complained ‘of having too many black and Muslim players’ in the Nice squad.

“I have decided to take legal action against those who have damaged my honor and I can only be satisfied that an investigation has been opened,” Galtier told a press conference before Saturday’s clash at the top of the table against second-placed RC. Lens at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.

“Like many of you, I was stunned by the comments that were attributed to me and that were relayed in an irresponsible way,” Galtier added.

“I am a child of the HLM housing estates (social housing estates), raised in diversity, raised in respect for others regardless of their origin, color or religion.”

PSG said they support their head coach.

“PSG supports Christophe Galtier and wants justice to shed light on the truth of the serious allegations made against our coach,” PSG said in a statement.

Fournier said earlier this week he was appalled by the timing of the revelation, although he did not deny making the allegation.

Galtier has been placed under protection by PSG, Le Parisien daily reported, after his phone number was shared on social media.

Several Ligue 1 coaches and footballers who played under Galtier have backed the PSG manager.

“I worked with Galtier and I never felt any negative behavior from him about my religion or my nationality. He is a great coach as well as a great person,” said the Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz, a Muslim who won the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2021 under Galtier.

Reporting by Julien Pretot; edited by Pritha Sarkar

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