Nice Players Assaulted by Fans Following Defeat

Nice forwards Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga have been granted leave from the team after reportedly being assaulted by their own fans on Sunday night, following a 3-1 defeat against Lorient, sources informed ESPN.

Approximately 400 Ultras gathered at the club’s training ground, creating a tense atmosphere as the team returned from the match. Allegedly, two supporters boarded the team bus to voice their discontent before violence ensued as the players disembarked.

Sources indicate that Moffi has been placed on a week of sick leave, while Boga has been given five days off. Reports from eyewitnesses on Boulevard Jean-Luciano, where the team bus had returned from the airport, suggest that both players were subjected to physical assaults, including being punched, kicked, spat at, and verbally insulted by the Ultras.

On Monday, Moffi and Boga approached local police to file charges against the individuals responsible for the assault. The police declined to comment on the situation when contacted by ESPN.

In a statement released later that day, Nice addressed the incident: “On Sunday, upon returning from Lorient, the Eaglets were met at the training ground by a large gathering. The club acknowledges the frustration stemming from a series of poor performances that do not align with our values. However, the excesses witnessed during this gathering are unacceptable. Several members of the club have been attacked, and OGC Nice stands firmly behind them, condemning these acts with utmost severity.”

The defeat in Brittany marked Nice’s sixth consecutive loss across all competitions. Moffi and Boga were particularly targeted by fans, who criticized their attitude in recent weeks. Moffi reportedly needed assistance from goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf to safely navigate through the hostile crowd and enter the club building, having been punched, kicked, and even having his hair pulled.

Sporting director Florian Maurice required protection from security as he made his way to his vehicle. In contrast, manager Franck Haise received support from the Ultras, who assured him of their continued backing. Current captain Melvin Bard and local midfielder Sofiane Diop reportedly did not experience any abuse from the Ultras.

Eventually, the remainder of the squad managed to enter the team building, with many players expressing shock and trauma over the incident, attributing the lack of security to the club’s failures. “How can they not protect us more? It was unbelievable and scary,” one player remarked to ESPN.

Currently, Nice sits 10th in Ligue 1 and is set to host Angers this weekend.