In the wake of allegations of racism from his time at Nice last year, Christophe Galtier responded in his press conference this afternoon, once again refuting the accusations outlined in an email attributed to former Nice director Julien Fournier.
The PSG manager’s press conference began with two statements – the first, read out by the club’s press officer, reiterating the club’s opposition to racial prejudice and showing support for Galtier in the face of the threats he has received in the last few days in the wake of the accusations. A second statement was read out by the coach himself, in which he once again refutes the allegations – as he initially did via his lawyer on Wednesday – and confirmed that he would be initiating legal proceedings:
“I am deeply shocked by the remarks that are being attributed to me, and which have been passed on in an irresponsible way, wound me to the core of my humanity. I’m a child of the city projects [HLM] who grew up in a multicultural environment – who grew up respecting others whatever their origin, skin colour or religion.”
“My entire adulthood has been dictated by a sense of sharing and concern for the wellbeing of others, I cannot accept that my name and my family are soiled in this way.”
PSG host Lens tomorrow evening, in a top-of-the-table clash that could see Franck Haise’s men close the gap to just three points with a win, or the league leaders all but wrap up a record-breaking eleventh Ligue 1 title.