Christophe Galtier is deeply shocked by the accusations of racism against him. Earlier this week, the Paris Saint-Germain coach was embarrassed by a leaked email sent to OGC Nice management by Julien Fournier at the end of last season. The former sporting director accuses his former colleague of serious racist statements. The email came into the hands of journalist Romain Molina and was shown in the program on Tuesday evening l’After Foot by RMC Sports.
The email, sent to Ineos management at the end of last season, specifically to Dave Brailsford, adviser to Nice’s owner, describes a scene from August 9, 2021. The new season is about to begin. “He told me that I had to take into account the essence of the city and that we couldn’t have so many blacks and Muslims on the team,” said Fournier. “He (Galtier, ed.) told me: ‘Yesterday I went to the restaurant and everyone was falling over me that we have a team full of blacks.'”
On Friday during the press conference leading up to the squatter against RC Lens, Galtier was confronted with the allegations. “I am deeply shocked by the allegations against me that have been made in an irresponsible manner by some,” Galtier said. “And that hurts me to the depths of my humanity. I grew up in a mixed society with the values of sharing and respect for others, regardless of their origin, color or background.”
Burak Yilmaz, among others, expressed support for his former trainer this week. My whole life as a man and as a footballer has been dictated by the concern to share well and live well with others. “I cannot accept that my name and that of my family is tarnished in this way. I have therefore decided to attack anyone who violates my honor. I have faith in the justice of my country. And I can only be satisfied with the opening of the investigation.”
Galtier admits to having had a tough week. “It was difficult, very difficult of course. But I took refuge in my work. The moments I was able to spend with the group allowed me to park everything that was said about me.” Galtier was appointed at Nice in the summer of 2021. In his first season, he led the club to fifth place and the final of the Coupe de France, losing 1-0 to Nantes. At the end of the season, he transferred to PSG.