Nice Players Assaulted by Fans Following Defeat

Nice forwards Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga have been granted leave from the team following an alleged assault by their own supporters on Sunday night, after the team suffered a 3-1 defeat at Lorient, sources informed ESPN.

Approximately 400 Ultras gathered at the club’s training ground in a charged atmosphere upon the players’ return. Tensions escalated when two supporters boarded the team bus to voice their discontent, leading to violence as the players exited the vehicle.

Reports indicate that Moffi has been placed on a week’s sick leave, while Boga will be away for five days. Both players were subjected to physical assaults, including being punched, kicked, and spat at by the Ultras, according to witnesses present at Boulevard Jean-Luciano, where the team bus arrived after returning from the airport.

On Monday, Moffi and Boga approached local police to file charges against the alleged attackers. The police declined to comment on the incident when contacted by ESPN.

In a statement released later that day, Nice expressed: “On Sunday, upon their return from Lorient, the Eaglets were met at the training ground by a significant gathering. The club acknowledges the frustration stemming from a series of disappointing performances that diverge from its values. However, the excesses witnessed during this gathering are unacceptable. Several club members were attacked, and OGC Nice extends its full support to them, condemning these actions with the utmost severity.”

The loss in Brittany marked Nice’s sixth consecutive defeat across all competitions. Moffi and Boga were specifically targeted, facing accusations from fans regarding their recent attitudes. Moffi experienced physical assault, including punches and hair pulling, requiring assistance from goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf to safely navigate through the crowd and return to the club’s premises.

Additionally, sporting director Florian Maurice was escorted to his car by security personnel due to the heightened tensions. Conversely, manager Franck Haise received encouragement from the Ultras, who reaffirmed their support for him. Current captain Melvin Bard and local midfielder Sofiane Diop were not subjected to any abuse from the fans.

Eventually, the remaining squad members managed to enter the team building, with many players left in shock and distressed. They expressed concerns about the club’s security measures, questioning, “How can they not protect us more? It was unbelievable and scary,” as relayed by one player to ESPN.

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