OGC Nice have strongly condemned the actions of a group of supporters who physically confronted players and staff after the club’s sixth consecutive defeat, calling the behaviour “unacceptable” and offering full support to those targeted. The chaotic scenes unfolded late Sunday night as the team returned from a 3-1 loss away to Lorient – another blow in what has become a spiralling run of poor form.
According to reports in France, around 400 frustrated fans gathered at Nice’s training centre, blocking the team bus as it arrived and escalating tensions during a confrontation that lasted nearly 45 minutes. Witnesses say supporters lit flares, chanted angrily and hurled verbal abuse at players and club staff. Some individuals attempted to approach players directly, while at least one supporter was allowed onto the bus to speak with them.
Among those targeted were forwards Terem Moffi and Jeremie Boga, as well as sporting director Florian Maurice. The situation reportedly left Boga shaken to the point that he has been on medical leave since Monday, with French media describing him as deeply affected by the ordeal. Ivory Coast international Boga, who had already been under pressure due to recent performances, is not expected to return immediately as he recovers from the impact of the encounter.
In a firm statement released on Monday, the club emphasised both understanding and condemnation. “The club understands the frustration generated by the succession of poor performances and performances far removed from its values,” the statement read. “However, the incidents that occurred during this gathering are unacceptable. Several club members were targeted. OGC Nice offers them its full support and condemns these acts in the strongest possible terms.”
Manager Franck Haise reportedly attempted to engage with supporters during the confrontation, stepping off the bus in an effort to calm tensions. His attempts, however, did little to diffuse the anger among the crowd. Club president Fabrice Bocquet was not present at the time, leaving Haise and other staff members to confront the gathering alone.
Nice’s supporters have grown increasingly frustrated as the team’s season continues to unravel. After finishing fourth last season and qualifying for European football, expectations were high heading into the new campaign. Instead, the team sit 10th in Ligue 1 with just 17 points from their first 14 matches. Their loss to Lorient – a side themselves battling near the bottom of the table – compounded concerns that the side has lost both confidence and direction.
The pressure has intensified on both players and staff as performances have dipped. The team’s attack, once among the most efficient in the league, has sputtered, while defensive instability has crept into their game. Terem Moffi, normally one of the team’s most potent threats, has struggled to recapture last season’s form, and recent weeks have seen growing discontent from sections of the fanbase.
Still, Sunday’s confrontations have drawn criticism from across French football. Many have argued that while frustration is understandable, intimidation and the physical targeting of players crosses a clear line. Fan groups have yet to issue an official comment, though several videos circulating online show flares, chanting and tense exchanges as staff attempted to keep the situation under control.
Nice now face the challenge of picking up the pieces while restoring calm and focus within the squad. They host Angers on Sunday, a match that has taken on heightened significance not only for their league position but also for mending the fractured relationship between players and supporters.
With pressure rising and emotions running high, the club has called for unity and responsible support from fans as the team tries to reverse its alarming slide. Whether Sunday’s scenes prove a turning point or a sign of deeper trouble ahead remains to be seen – but for now, Nice’s message is clear: passion is welcome, aggression is not.
