Nice confronts fan violence amid historic losing streak
After suffering six consecutive defeats across all competitions, Nice faced hostility from around 400 fans outside their training ground on the Côte d’Azur. Targeted in the incident were players Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga, as well as the club's sporting director Florian Maurice. Both Moffi and Boga were physically assaulted and spat on, with reports noting that some fans wore balaclavas and threw pétanque balls.
The episode led to widespread condemnation from the club, its players through a joint communique, the UNFP union, and the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP). The public prosecutor’s office initiated an investigation into the events, with the LFP joining as a civil party. Manager Franck Haise briefly contemplated resignation but ultimately resolved to remain, emphasizing that players and staff must assume responsibility during this challenging and divisive period.
The club's ownership group Ineos issued a statement, with Jean-Claude Blanc affirming confidence and commitment to the club's staff following an earlier period marked by minimal communication comparable to that at Crystal Palace. The violence illuminated a deeper divide within both the club and the city; Mayor Christian Estrosi minimized the severity of the violence, while former president Jean-Pierre Rivère criticized such minimization and encouraged dialogue. Rivère is politically aligned with Éric Ciotti.
On the sporting front, Nice continued their troubling performance trend, suffering their sixth straight loss in all competitions. Their European winless streak reached 18 games, marking the longest such run by a French club. In Ligue 1, after 16 games, Nice stood 13th in the table and experienced a 1-0 defeat to Braga, with fewer than 4,000 spectators in attendance.
