PSG boss Christophe Galtier breaks his silence over racism accusations
PSG boss Christophe Galtier breaks his silence over allegations in the French press that he complained there were ‘too many black and Muslim players’ while in charge at Nice – as he reveals he will take legal action over the claims
- Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier is ‘appalled’ by accusations of racism
- He is accused of complaining about ‘black and Muslim players’ in Nice
- The 56-year-old revealed he is now taking legal action over the claims
Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has been ‘appalled’ by accusations of racism leveled against him from his time at Nice and will take legal action against the claims.
Galtier allegedly made comments about having “too many black and Muslim players” on his former team in a leaked email published by the French football reporter Roman Molina.
Molina claims the email came from former Nice football director Julien Fournier, although he denies this.
Another report from the local French media Nice Matin claims the 56-year-old asked Muslim players not to observe Ramadan during a five-game winning streak.
They also reported that of the players requested by Galtier, some accepted, while Hicham Boudaoui and Jean-Clair Todibo declined the request.
PSG manager Christophe Galtier was “appalled” by accusations of racism against him
He is accused of complaining that there were “too many black and Muslim players” during his stay in Nice
Having previously denied the allegations in the “strongest possible terms,” Galtier told reporters on Friday: “I am deeply shocked by the allegations that some people have made in an irresponsible manner. These accusations hurt me to the core of my being.
“Growing up in the inner city, I grew up in a hodgepodge, with the overriding values of sharing and respect for others, regardless of race, color or religion.”
PSG has now launched an investigation into the actions of their manager, according to PSG RMCwho also claim that the club’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, first found out about the claims while in Qatar.
Galtier has now taken legal action against the allegations, as he continued: “My whole life as a man, footballer and then coach has been underpinned by constant seeking, sharing and living happily with others.
“I cannot accept that my name and the name of my family are tarnished in this way.”
Former Nice football director Julien Fournier has been cited as the source of the allegations, although he denies this.
PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi (pictured) is reportedly leading an investigation into Galtier’s conduct
“I have therefore decided to take legal action against anyone who damages my reputation. I have faith in the legal system in France.
“I have just been informed that legal proceedings are beginning and I will not be commenting further on this matter.
Paris Saint-Germain has a very important game tomorrow night. All my energy and focus are on tomorrow’s game.’
Although Fournier has been named as the source of the email, he denied it Nice Matin adding that he had “too much respect” for Nice after spending ten years at the club.