PSG coach Galtier ‘deeply shocked’ by accusations he made racist comments
PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier stated he feels damage “at the deepest level” of his humanity by accusations that he made racist and anti-Muslim feedback when he was in control of French membership Nice.
RMC Sport and different French media this week quoted a leaked e mail from former Nice director of soccer Julien Fournier to the membership’s homeowners, wherein he accused Galtier of claiming there have been too many Black and Muslim gamers within the squad.
“I’m deeply shocked by the feedback which have been attributed to me and that had been relayed by sure folks in an irresponsible manner,” the 56-year-old Galtier stated Friday forward of league chief PSG’s dwelling recreation towards second-place Lens on Saturday. “They hurt me at the deepest level of my humanity. I was a child who grew up in council estates, brought up in a mixed environment (with) the values of sharing and respect for other people, whoever they are, (whatever) their origins, their colour, their religion.”
Galtier stated he takes authorized motion.
“I can’t accept that my name and my family’s name is tarnished in this way,” he said. “I have therefore decided to file charges against anyone damaging my honor.”
Nice prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme stated Friday a preliminary investigation has been opened into “discrimination on the grounds of alleged race or religion.” He stated it’s being dealt with by Nice police with searches of the membership’s headquarters.
PSG head of communications Julien Maynard stated “critical allegations” had been made towards Galtier and that the membership totally helps him.
RMC Sport stated Fournier, who was at odds with Galtier throughout his tenure at Nice, wrote to Ineos director of sports activities Dave Brailsford to let him know in regards to the particulars of a dialog he had with the coach.
Ineos acquired the southern membership in 2019 and appointed Galtier as coach in 2021 after he gained the title with Lille. He spent one season at Nice earlier than becoming a member of PSG. Fournier left Nice in 2022 after greater than a decade on the membership.
Fournier allegedly stated that Galtier complained in August 2021 that there have been too many Black and Muslim gamers within the workforce, and that it didn’t replicate the ethnological profile of town. Fournier advised native newspaper Nice-Matin that he was not liable for the leaked doc.
Turkish ahead Burak Yılmaz, who performed underneath Galtier at Lille, defended his former coach. Galtier additionally acquired help from Lens coach Franck Haise, Rennes coach Bruno Genesio and Brest coach Eric Roy.
“These are such troublesome moments that you simply respect the help you get,” Galtier stated Friday. “It has been troublesome, very onerous. But I refuged myself in work with my workers to organize for this large recreation in one of the simplest ways.”
Galtier stated he hasn’t spoken with the gamers in regards to the allegations, “but they gave me the best answer possible with their total commitment in training.”
A outstanding group of PSG supporters — the CUP (Paris Ultras Collective) — known as for Galtier’s departure if the remarks are confirmed true.
“I’ve learn their assertion. I’ve little doubt that each one of our supporters can be behind the workforce,” Galtier stated, looking forward to Saturday’s recreation.
Fournier had beforehand talked about critical points with Galtier throughout an interview with RMC, saying the PSG coach would by no means have the option “to enter a locker room again” if he defined the explanations behind their dispute.
Galtier paused earlier than answering when requested if he thought somebody was out for revenge towards him.
“I can’t answer that,” he stated.
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