Nice, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, who is also a co-owner of Manchester United, saw their return to training after a loss to Lorient descend into chaos. Players were attacked by disgruntled fans following a seventh consecutive defeat, prompting Jeremie Boga and Terem Moffi to take legal action.
Neither player will be training this week, with Boga given a five-day leave after the attack, while Moffi will be sidelined until Sunday. Tribuna claim that the pair were subjected to physical assault, including being punched, kicked and spat on.
Racist slurs were allegedly hurled at them, with Boga having to be rescued by Yehvann Diouf.
Despite being warned of a hostile reception awaiting the team bus at their training ground, Nice chose to return. Initially, two fan representatives were allowed onto the bus to express their dissatisfaction with the club’s recent poor performance.
However, the situation quickly deteriorated, with Boga and Moffi bearing the brunt of the fans’ anger.
Reports suggest that Boga was targeted because he had invited Marseille fans to their stadium earlier this month, where they allegedly taunted home supporters.
As for Moffi, it has been claimed that he was seen laughing with former Lorient player Loic Remy after the weekend’s defeat.
Boga issued a statement addressing the furore over his actions, declaring: “At no time, believe me, was it my intention to show disrespect toward Nice supporters. However, I understand the disappointment this may have caused. To all those I may have hurt, I offer my apologies.”
Nice chose to remain silent given the ongoing police probe, though the club did issue an official response following the incident.
“On Sunday, upon their return from Lorient, the Eagles were welcomed in front of the Training and Development Centre by a large gathering.
“The club understands the frustration generated by the succession of poor performances and performances far removed from its values.
“However, the incidents that occurred during this gathering are unacceptable. Several club members were targeted. OGC Nice offers them its full support and condemns these acts in the strongest possible terms.”
Nice presently languish in 10th place in Ligue 1 and find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Europa League table, having suffered defeat in all five matches. After achieving their finest league position in seven years last term, Ratcliffe’s outfit are enduring a torrid spell.
To enable both Manchester United and Nice to participate in the Europa League throughout the 2024/25 season, Ratcliffe stepped back from his role at the French side, with UEFA regulations explicit regarding multi-club ownership in identical competitions.
INEOS investigated a potential sale during the summer with Saudi Arabian investors expressing tentative interest, though no deal came to fruition.