Nice Players Assaulted by Supporters: Club Issues Statement

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

Approximately 400 Ultras gathered at the club’s training ground, creating a tense atmosphere as the team returned from the match. The situation escalated when two supporters boarded the team bus to express their frustrations, leading to violence as the players disembarked.

Sources indicate that Moffi has been placed on sick leave for one week, while Boga will take five days off. Both players were subjected to physical assaults, including being punched, kicked, and spat at by the Ultras near Boulevard Jean-Luciano, where the team bus had arrived after returning from the airport.

On Monday, Moffi and Boga reported the incidents to local police and filed charges against their assailants; however, police have not commented on the situation when approached by ESPN.

In response to the incident, Nice issued a statement on Monday that read: “On Sunday, upon their return from Lorient, the Eaglets were met at the training ground by a large crowd. The club acknowledges the frustration stemming from recent poor performances that do not align with its values. However, the violence displayed during this gathering is unacceptable. A few club members were attacked. OGC Nice fully supports them and condemns these acts with the utmost seriousness.”

This defeat in Brittany marks Nice’s sixth consecutive loss across all competitions. Moffi and Boga were particularly targeted by fans, who accused them of exhibiting a poor attitude in recent weeks. Reports indicate that Moffi was punched, kicked, and had his hair pulled, requiring assistance from goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf to safely navigate through the agitated crowd back into the club’s facilities.

Additionally, sporting director Florian Maurice was escorted to his vehicle by security due to the unrest, while manager Franck Haise received cheers from the Ultras, who expressed continued support for him. The current team captain, Melvin Bard, and local midfielder, Sofiane Diop, did not experience any hostility from the fans.

Many players were reportedly shocked and traumatized by the incident, attributing the lack of security and safety at the club as a significant concern. One player remarked, “How can they not protect us more? It was unbelievable and scary.”

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