OGC Nice players were physically assaulted by approximately 400 fans upon returning to their training ground after a 3-1 defeat at Lorient on November 30. The incident, which included hitting and spitting, has plunged the club into crisis.
Three individuals were specifically targeted: Terem Moffi, Jérémie Boga, and sporting director Florian Maurice. Moffi was attacked after being seen smiling on camera following the loss, while Boga was singled out for inviting Marseille fans into the stadium during a previous defeat. Maurice is viewed by supporters as partly responsible for the team's decline.
Manager Franck Haise revealed that some fans arrived wearing balaclavas and carrying pétanque balls. Moffi and Boga have since been on sick leave. The club, players' union, and the LFP have condemned the assault, and an investigation has been opened by the public prosecutor's office.
Nice mayor Christian Estrosi downplayed the incident, citing a prefecture report that did not mention physical violence. However, former club president Jean-Pierre Rivère criticized the minimization, stating the events do not match the club's image.
The team's struggles continued with a ninth consecutive defeat in all competitions, a 2-0 loss to Lens. Haise, who considered resigning after the assault but decided to stay, appeared alone at a press conference after players boycotted media duties.
