PSG head coach Christophe Galtier has said he’s “shocked” by recent allegations of racism and has vowed to take legal action to clear his name.
Earlier this week, reports in France quoted a leaked email from Nice’s former director of football Julien Fournier, in which he told the club’s owners Galtier said there were too many black and Muslim players in the squad.
Galtier, who coached Nice from 2021 to 2022, had the chance to respond on Friday in his pre-match press conference.
“I have been extremely shocked by the allegations that some people have irresponsibly made and relayed,” Galtier said while reading a written statement. “These allegations hurt me in the deepest part of my being.
“I am a child who grew up in a council estate, in a melting pot with values of sharing and respect for others, regardless of their origins or religion. All my life and career has been guided by the the wellbeing and sharing with others.
“I cannot accept that my name and my family could be tarnished in this way. So I have decided to take legal action against anyone damaging my reputation. I trust our legal system and I also welcome the start of a legal proceeding this morning with serenity. I will not make any more comments on this matter.”
Before Galtier spoke, a PSG spokesperson read a statement of support for the coach, saying: “The club supports Christophe Galtier in the face of the many and unacceptable threats he has received, and now hopes that this matter will be dealt with by the courts.”
Nice prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme has announced that a preliminary investigation has been opened into possible “racial or religious discrimination.”
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