Nice Players Moffi and Boga Granted Leave Following Alleged Assault by Fans

Incident Overview

Nice forwards Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga have been given time off from the team after reportedly being assaulted by fans following their recent match. This incident occurred on Sunday night after the team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Lorient.

Details of the Assault

Approximately 400 Ultras gathered at the team’s training grounds, eagerly awaiting the players’ return. Tensions escalated when two supporters boarded the team bus to voice their discontent, leading to a confrontation as the players exited the vehicle.

Reports indicate that both Moffi and Boga faced physical abuse, being punched, kicked, spat on, and verbally insulted by the fans. Moffi has been granted sick leave for a week, whereas Boga will be off for five days. Eyewitness accounts describe how Moffi, in particular, was punched and kicked, and needed assistance from teammate Yéhvann Diouf to navigate through the hostile crowd to safety.

Response from the Players

In the aftermath, both players approached local law enforcement on Monday to file charges against their assailants. The police have not commented on the ongoing investigation.

Club’s Statement

In a formal statement issued by Nice, the club acknowledged the distress caused by the recent string of disappointing performances. They condemned the unacceptable behavior exhibited by certain fans during the encounter at their training facility. The club expressed full support for the affected players and denounced the violent actions.

Context of the Incident

The unwanted attention on Moffi and Boga appears to stem from frustrations with the team’s overall performance, marking their sixth consecutive loss across all competitions. Moffi and Boga were particularly criticized for their perceived lack of effort, exacerbating tensions with the supporters.

During the tumultuous scene, sporting director Florian Maurice required security escort while exiting the grounds. In contrast, manager Franck Haise received cheers from supporters who affirmed their commitment to him during this challenging period. Notably, neither captain Melvin Bard nor midfielder Sofiane Diop faced any hostility.

Team’s Reaction

Once the majority of the squad managed to enter the training building, they expressed feelings of shock and trauma regarding the incident, with some players questioning the security measures in place. One player voiced concerns over their safety, describing the situation as frightening and unbelievable.

Next Steps

Currently, Nice sits in 10th place in Ligue 1, with a match against Angers scheduled for the weekend.