Christophe Galtier is deeply shocked by the accusations of racism against him. The Paris Saint-Germain coach has announced that he will take those who accuse him to court. In the investigation into possible racism of Galtier, the French police raided his old club OGC Nice.
“I am deeply shocked by the words that have been attributed to me and that have been expressed in an irresponsible manner by some,” Galtier said at his press conference on Friday ahead of the home game against RC Lens. “This touches me deeply.”
A few days ago, French media revealed that Galtier was guilty of racist statements during his period at OGC Nice. The Frenchman is said to have expressed his doubts about the black and Muslim players in the Nice selection in an email exchange with sporting director Julien Fournier.
In those emails, Fournier told Dave Brailsford exactly what Galtier had said. Brailsford is sporting director of the INEOS group, which also includes OGC Nice.
Galtier is said to have made the following statements during a dinner party: “I was attacked by people who thought we have a team with only blacks. You have to take into account ‘the reality of the city’. We really can’t have so many black players and have Muslims in our team.”
‘I have faith in justice’
Galtier, 56, immediately denied all allegations. The coach announced at his press conference that he will take legal action against Fournier and the journalists who have brought out the allegations. “I have faith in the judiciary,” he said.
Galtier also said that he had a hard time. “I respect everyone, regardless of race, skin color or religion. I have spent my whole life caring for others. I cannot accept that my name and my family are tarnished in this way.”
The police conducted a house search at OGC Nice on Friday. The police would have searched for the emails in which Galtier would have been guilty of racism.
Galtier is currently preparing with Paris Saint-Germain for Saturday’s home game against number two RC Lens. The French top club, which won at Nice (0-2) last weekend, leads the Ligue 1 and is six points ahead of Lens.
