Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Nice are in a worrying crisis with two of the French club's players placed on leave after being attacked by their own supporters
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Nice are in turmoil with supporters attacking their own players
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Nice are in turmoil with supporters attacking their own players
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Nice, owned by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos, saw their return to training after defeat to Lorient descend into chaos, with players who were attacked by supporters taking legal action. After a seventh consecutive defeat, frustration from fans boiled over, which resulted in Jeremie Boga and Terem Moffi being assaulted.
Neither will train this week with Boga placed on leave for five days following the attack, while Moffi will be out of action until Sunday. According to a report by Truibuna, the duo were punched, kicked and spat on.
It has also been alleged that racist slurs were thrown their way with Boga needing to be rescued by Yehvann Diouf.
Nice were informed a hostile reception was waiting for the team bus at their training ground. Nonetheless, they still opted to return with two fan representatives initially allowed onto the bus to air their grievances at the club's recent struggles, however, things went sour very quickly as Boga and Moffi took the brunt.
It has been reported that the reason for Boga being targeted was because Marseille fans were invited to their stadium earlier this month by him, with it alleged they mocked home supporters.
As for Moffi, it has been claimed he was laughing with former Lorient present Loic Remy after the defeat on the weekend.
Boga released a statement on the controversy surrounding his decision. It read: "At no time, believe me, was it my intention to show disrespect toward Nice supporters. However, I understand the disappointment this may have caused. To all those I may have hurt, I offer my apologies."
Nice opted to not comment considering the ongoing police investigation, but did release a club statement after the incident.
"On Sunday, upon their return from Lorient, the Eagles were welcomed in front of the Training and Development Centre by a large gathering.
"The club understands the frustration generated by the succession of poor performances and performances far removed from its values.
"However, the incidents that occurred during this gathering are unacceptable. Several club members were targeted. OGC Nice offers them its full support and condemns these acts in the strongest possible terms."
(Image: (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images))
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Nice currently sit tenth in Ligue 1 and are rock bottom of the Europa League standings have lost all five games. Following their best finish in seven years last season, Ratcliffe's club are seriously struggling
For both Manchester United and Nice to compete in the Europa League during the 2024/25 campaign, Ratcliffe took a back seat at the French club with UEFA rules clear on multi-club ownerships competing in the same competition.
Ineos explored a sale in the summer with Saudi Arabia investors showing a potential interest, but nothing materialised.