Nice Mayor Defends Supporters After Moffi’s Incidence

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi has appealed for calm after chaotic scenes outside OGC Nice’s training ground, where hundreds of frustrated fans confronted players and staff following a 3-1 defeat to FC Lorient. The loss extended the club’s poor run to six straight defeats and triggered widespread backlash, turning the incident into a major national debate.

Reports from French outlets described nearly 400 supporters entering the training complex, with some allegedly hitting, kicking, or spitting at players. Terem Moffi, Jérémie Boga, and sporting director Florian Maurice were reportedly targeted during the confrontation. The club condemned the “unacceptable behaviour,” and the LFP, UNFP, and public prosecutor have all opened investigations.

But Mayor Estrosi pushed back against some of the claims, citing the prefecture’s own findings. “No physical violence was noted […] during the exchanges with OGC Nice. And that’s good because any violence would be unacceptable,” he wrote on X. He warned against exaggerating the situation, saying, “It is therefore important not to add fuel to the fire […] Neither Nice nor our supporters deserve to be collectively stigmatised.” He also called for “calm” and “responsibility,” adding that he trusts the club and authorities to “re-establish dialogue.”

Meanwhile, the fallout inside the squad is growing. Moffi is now considering leaving the club after being caught in the ambush, while Boga is also questioning his future. Head coach Franck Haise is reportedly moving closer to an exit as tensions escalate.

With unrest spreading from the fans to the dressing room, Nice faces a fragile and uncertain period despite the mayor’s intervention.