Christophe Galtier is dealing with allegations of making racist remarks during his time at Nice but the PSG boss has refuted it
After being accused of making racist comments about players during his tenure as the Nice boss, Christophe Galtier, the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, has received backing. The allegations surfaced in an email reportedly sent by former Nice football director Julien Fournier at the conclusion of the previous season.
As reported by The Athletic, the email was sent to Dave Brailsford. He is the director of sport at INEOS, which owns Nice.
The contents of the email were disclosed on Tuesday evening. With allegations that Galtier had remarked to Fournier that the team “could not have so many black and Muslim players,” according to Fournier’s account.
Both Fournier and Galtier departed from Nice at the conclusion of the previous season, with Galtier being selected to coach the champions PSG.
Galtier’s lawyer, Olivier Martin, said the 56-year-old PSG coach “contests with the greatest firmness” the accusations made against him. In a statement to AFP, Martin said Galtier “learned with amazement of the insulting and defamatory remarks”.
Lille players speak out about allegations
It is alleged that in the email, Fournier also made reference to John Valovic, who is Galtier’s adopted son and agent.
Valovic responded on Instagram, writing: “Thanks to everyone for your support. The accusations against me are false and intolerable. They will not remain without consequences.”
Burak Yilmaz, who was coached by Galtier at Lille, stated that the accusations of racism were inconsistent with his personal encounters with Galtier.
In a message posted on Instagram on Wednesday evening, Yilmaz wrote: “I read the news today and I felt like I have to say something. I worked with Galtier and never felt any negative behaviour from him about my religion or nationality.
“He is a great coach as well as a great person.”
Jose Fonte, like Yilmaz, was a member of the Lille team that won the 2020-21 Ligue 1 championship under Galtier. He also expressed his astonishment at the allegations.
“In three years working with Mr Galtier. He was always close to his players and above all, very respectful,” Fonte wrote. “It is upsetting reading some news today. I have only good things to say about this man.”
Aulas empathises with Galtier over racism allegations
Jean-Michel Aulas expressed his sympathy for Galtier, saying he was “very sorry” about the situation.
French media, including the Nice-Matin newspaper, have reported that security around Galtier has been increased since the allegations surfaced.
Aulas, quoted by RMC, said: “I am very shocked and very sorry for Christophe, whom I know personally.
“I cannot imagine this kind of thing, but it’s not for me to pass judgement. We see things happening in the public square that are so different from what we advocate in football.
“From the moment Christophe expresses his refusal to accept this type of information, he has every right to do so.”
Nice issued a statement on Wednesday that read: “The facts related concern two people who no longer work for OGC Nice. This situation was treated with the utmost seriousness at the time of the events. The club will not comment further.”
Fournier has firmly denied leaking the email. He says in a statement to Nice-Matin: “I am in no way responsible for the dissemination of this year-old internal information at the time of my departure from the club. The timing of these revelations revolts me as much as their content.”
Galtier is anticipated to attend a customary PSG pre-match press conference on Friday. Prior to his team’s crucial Ligue 1 match against Lens, which will take place the following day. The game could have implications for the top-of-the-table standings.
