The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has stepped in to ease mounting tensions after a chaotic confrontation erupted outside OGC Nice’s training ground on Sunday night, where hundreds of furious supporters gathered to vent frustrations at players and staff following a 3–1 defeat to FC Lorient.
The loss marked Nice’s sixth straight defeat, intensifying pressure on the squad and escalating fan anger into a national controversy.
Mayor Estrosi Seeks to Diffuse “Exaggerated” Narrative
Reports from major French outlets, including L’Équipe, RMC Sport, Foot Mercato, and Ici Azur, detailed alarming scenes involving nearly 400 supporters storming the training facility. Some fans allegedly kicked, hit, or spat at players, with Terem Moffi, Jérémie Boga, and sporting director Florian Maurice reportedly targeted during the unrest.
Nice quickly condemned the behavior as “unacceptable,” while the LFP, UNFP, and public prosecutor launched formal investigations into the incident.
But Mayor Estrosi has attempted to cool the temperature, citing findings from the prefecture.
“No physical violence was noted during the exchanges with OGC Nice. And that’s good, because any violence would be unacceptable,” he stated on X.
He urged restraint from all sides, warning against feeding a narrative that “far exceeds the reality of the facts.”
“Neither Nice nor our supporters deserve to be collectively stigmatized,” he added. “I call for calm, for responsibility, and for respect for the identity of our club.”
Moffi, Boga, and Even Haise Considering Exit
Despite attempts to downplay the severity of the confrontation, the internal damage is already showing.
Nigerian striker Terem Moffi, one of the players confronted, is now seriously considering leaving the club. Jérémie Boga is reportedly weighing his options as well, and head coach Franck Haise is drifting toward an exit amid deepening internal tension.
The atmosphere around the club is increasingly fragile, with instability spreading from the stands to the dressing room and even to executive leadership.
As investigations continue and pressure mounts, the question remains:
Will Mayor Estrosi’s intervention restore calm, or is this the tipping point that sends key figures through the exit door?
