As part of an interview broadcast this past Sunday with Canal+, Nice midfielder Khéphren Thuram discussed the allegations of racism against his former manager Christophe Galtier, during the latter’s sole season in charge of Les Aiglons last season.
The alleged discriminatory remarks, which regard the ethnic and religious make-up of the squad, were outlined in an email attributed to former Sporting Director Julien Fournier, sent at the end of last year. Galtier has denied the accusations and launched legal action against both Fournier as well as the journalists who first reported on the email.
Separately, a preliminary police investigation had been opened in Nice over discrimination in the workplace, which notably saw the club’s headquarters searched and several people at the club questioned. Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivère has indicated that he was not aware of the email, but in any case gave over all potential evidence in his possession to investigators.
Asked about the situation, Thuram has called for more public clarity from those at his club:
“I think there are people at the club who are well-placed to know exactly what happened, none of this “I heard that…”. And I think these people should speak up, to clarify everything that we’re hearing. It moves me and troubles me a lot that those concerned aren’t speaking up so that the truth comes out.”
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin