C. Galtier

Explained: Christophe Galtier racism allegations, what the PSG manager is accused of and what happens next

Thomas Hindle
Christophe Galtier PSG
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Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has been accused of making racist remarks about Black and Muslim players while at Nice.

Early Wednesday morning, an alleged email reportedly featuring a series of racist comments made by Christophe Galtier was obtained by RMC Sport. The publication claims that the now-PSG manager took aim at Black and Muslim players while he was the manager of Nice in 2021.

Since then, the situation has evolved rapidly. Galtier has denied the accusations, former players have vouched for his innocence, while PSG's ultras have argued that Galtier should be sacked if the alleged comments are true.

GOAL takes a look at what, exactly, Galtier is reported to have said, and where the alleged comments leave the already under-fire PSG boss.

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  1. What has Galtier been accused of?
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    What has Galtier been accused of?

    The PSG manager has been accused of making racist comments toward Black and Muslim players. A leaked email from Julien Fournier, former Nice director of football, outlined a number of specific situations in which Galtier allegedly used racist rhetoric or made discriminatory comments.

    According to RMC Sport, Galtier remarked to Fournier that Nice had too many Black and Muslim players, which didn't match the profile of the majority-white city. He is also accused of failing to allow Muslim players to observe Ramadan, and turning down a signing due to a player's religion.

  2. What has Galtier's reaction been?
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    What has Galtier's reaction been?

    Galtier denied the accusations vehemently, and his lawyer released a brief statement on Wednesday afternoon: "Christophe Galtier was amazed to learn of the insulting and defamatory remarks of Mr. Julien Fournier against him. Given the seriousness of the charges against him, which he disputes with the greatest firmness, Christophe Galtier immediately seized his lawyer... to initiate, without delay, the necessary legal proceedings which are necessary."

    The PSG manager has been subject to mass criticism online and has received threatening messages from fans. His contact details, including phone number, were spread on Twitter.

    As such, Galtier has been harassed, and according to The Telegraph, received around 5,000 messages. He has reportedly hired private protection for security.

  4. How have PSG's players reacted?
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    How have PSG's players reacted?

    No current PSG players have commented on the situation. Kylian Mbappe was asked about Galtier's alleged comments at an event Wednesday, but he was pulled away from the conversation by PSG's press officer before he could answer.

    Galtier does have support from the higher-ups at the club, though. Football advisor Luis Campos has reportedly stuck up for the coach, according to AS. Meanwhile, PSG have not launched an investigation into the alleged comments.

    A number of Galtier's former players have taken to social media to defend their manager. Among them is Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz, who asserted on Instagram that he "never felt any negative behavior from him because of my religion or nationality. He’s a fantastic coach as well as a fantastic person.”

    Lille centre-back Jose Fonte also vouched for his former boss.

  5. What happens next?
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    What happens next?

    PSG have refused to launch an investigation into the alleged comments made by the under-fire coach. Their outspoken ultras, though, have taken a firm stand, suggesting that Galtier should be let go if the alleged remarks are indeed true.

    "The Ultras Paris Collective is closely following the Galtier case," they said. "If the facts he is accused of are proven, it is not acceptable that this person remains in the organizational chart of the club. We recall that we have always taken a stand against all forms of discrimination.”

    More responses could come out over the coming days, but there has been no reliable talk of concrete punitive action from PSG as of Thursday morning.