PSG coach Galtier denies 'insulting' Islamophobia allegations after leaked emails
The manager of French football club Paris Saint Germain (PSG) vehemently denied on Wednesday allegations that he made Islamophobic and racist comments against players at his former club Nice.
Christophe Galtier was accused of allegedly saying there were "too many Muslim and Black players" in the Nice team, which he managed for the 2021–2022 season.
The allegations against him were apparently made by the former director of football at Nice, Julien Fournier, in emails leaked to French media and reported on Wednesday.
The claims include Galtier having allegedly expressed reservations over signing a Muslim player because of his faith and asking Muslim players not to observe the holy month of Ramadan.
Galtier said he was "stunned to learn of the insulting and defamatory" reports and vowed to take legal action, according to his lawyer.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Following the reports, Galtier and his family were placed under protection after he received hundreds of messages, including death threats.
Fournier, who was at odds with Galtier during his time at Nice, wrote the emails as briefs to the club's owners regarding his conversations with Galtier.
Fournier denied he was responsible for the leaks and questioned the timing of the revelations.
“The timing of these revelations revolts me just as much as their content,” Fournier told the local newspaper Nice-Matin.
According to The Telegraph, PSG believes Galtier's denials and the club is angry the allegations were published before being put to the coach.
The claims come after reports that Galtier may leave PSG at the end of the season following a string of poor results and after being knocked out of the Uefa Champions League.
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
