The Prosecutor's Office of the French city of Nice confirmed this Friday the opening of a "preliminary investigation" into the alleged racist comments made by Christophe Galtier, current coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), during his time at Nice (in the season 2021-2022).
"I can confirm the existence of a preliminary investigation launched yesterday, April 13, by the Nice Judicial Police for reasons of discrimination based on race or religion. Searches are being carried out on the premises of the OGC (Olympique Gymnaste Club) Nice" , communicated Xavier Bonhomme, attorney of that French city, through his Twitter account.
The investigations refer to the leak to the press of an alleged email from the then sports director of that club, Julien Fournier, to the board, in which he detailed Galtier's alleged racist attitude.
"You have built a team full of scum, there are only blacks, and half of your team is in the mosque on Friday afternoon," Fournier recounts in that message that Galtier told him during the 2021-2022 season.
Precisely the seizure of these emails that would incriminate Galtier would be the object of the searches that are being carried out this Friday, according to the local newspaper Nice-Matin.
The coach spoke publicly for the first time this Friday, at the press conference prior to PSG's match against Lens tomorrow. Galtier has been "deeply shocked" and has defended himself against all the accusations in a statement that he read at the beginning of his appearance: "I am deeply shocked by the words that have been given to me and that have been irresponsibly transmitted by some, what strikes me in the depths of my humanity Respect for others, regardless of their origin, color or religion All my life as a man has been dictated by the concern to share and live well with others, I cannot accept that my name and my family get dirty like this."
The club has also shown its support in a statement and has assured that "PSG will not be disturbed by this episode." "The club supports Christophe Galtier after the numerous and unacceptable threats he has received and now wants justice to establish the truth. While waiting for the judicial time to end and in order to protect everyone's safety, the club asks everyone to assume their responsibilities and calm down. Paris Saint-Germain, its management, its players and all employees do not tolerate intolerance on and off the pitch. The fight against racism and all forms of discrimination is a fundamental commitment of the club."
As confirmed to EFE this Thursday, Galtier's lawyers are considering responding with a lawsuit, since he considers these comments "insulting and defamatory" for his client. Since the dissemination of these accusations, the legal team has also denounced that the coach has received a good number of threats, after his mobile number was disclosed on social networks.
For his part, Fournier, who left Nice at the end of 2022, has assured the press that he is not behind the leak, although without denying the content of the email. PSG's main ultra group, the CUP, has warned that if the racist comments are true, "it is not acceptable" for Galtier to continue at the club.
