The clash between PSG and RC Lens this Saturday evening at the Parc des Princes goes far beyond the sporting context. Since the beginning of the week, we have only been talking about the Galtier affair. The Parisian coach has faced serious accusations of racism since the revelation of an email written by the former Nice sports director Julien Fournier which overwhelms him.
While waiting for the opening of the doors of the Parc des Princes, this dirty story was the main subject of discussion among the supporters. “A lot of people are talking. I still find it weird that it comes just after the victory in Nice (0-2) where there were problems, says Nicole, a subscriber for 50 years. I won’t whistle it. There is no reason to accuse him or whistle him. You need evidence. Words are not enough. You can’t accuse someone like that and leak their number on social media. We will wait for the results of the investigation. If it turns out that he made racist remarks, he will no longer be a coach at PSG or even elsewhere. »
Karim, a Parisian supporter since the beginning of the 1990s, is also surprised by these revelations. “The damage is done and his reputation will suffer, thinks this machinist. Was this invented? Fournier’s statements are very precise. I tell myself that it is not possible that this is true because it would be very serious. I don’t see him saying such a thing. But everything is possible because Laurent Blanc had made very limited comments on quotas several years ago. Muslim players like Erding or Yilmaz testified in favor of Galtier. Those who have problems must speak out. For now, it’s one person’s word against the other. I hope the truth will come out. If that’s true, he’ll have to go. »
“I’m afraid people will whistle him when we don’t know anything about this case”
“These are very serious facts and it’s crazy to think that the coach of the club you support can convey this kind of thing, breathes Christophe, in his fifties, a subscriber to the Park for ten years. We do not know whether or not he made these remarks and that is the problem. Because even if it’s revenge, there may be something left. »
The Auteuil corner, partly closed due to a suspension, and the CUP will be scrutinized and especially listened to when the composition of PSG is announced. “I’m afraid that people will whistle him tonight when we don’t know anything about this case even if there were rumors, says Gary, a subscriber to the Auteuil tribune. Many people back Galtier by saying they haven’t seen or heard of any confusing behavior. Only Fournier criticizes Galtier. I am confused. I prefer to be cautious. I think everyone should wait to find out more before judging a man who for the moment is defending himself as best he can.
The Collectif Ultra Paris issued a press release on Wednesday to indicate that it would closely follow the consequences of this case. “The leaders are in their roles. A popular platform, with diversity, is one of the values of our group, which they were keen to remember, insists this member of the CUP. If he really said that, it’s simple, Galtier must fire. If that’s not true, it’s horrible what Fournier did to him. »
The 35-year-old is suing. “I followed his press conference on Friday where he seemed bruised and hurt. Christophe Galtier is not in good conditions to end the season. He says he took refuge in work but I don’t see how one can work well under these conditions. If he really made these remarks, he must leave PSG and no longer find a sideline, but now we have to provide proof of all that. Hopefully we’ll have proof one way or the other. People are sometimes convicted before proof. »