Franck Haise reveals OGC Nice fans came armed with petanque balls during Sunday’s incident | OneFootball

Speaking to L’Équipe, Franck Haise has provided a first-hand account of the incident on Sunday night, when OGC Nice fans ambushed the team bus upon their return to the training ground. 

Around 400 fans gathered outside Nice’s training ground to express their discontent about the current situation, following a 3-1 defeat away to FC Lorient earlier in the day, with the club on a six-game losing streak in all competitions. L’Équipe, RMC Sport, and Foot Mercato have reported violence, with Nice fans accused of hitting, kicking, and spitting at players and staff. Jérémie Boga, Terem Moffi, and Florian Maurice were the principal targets.

The two players are now on sick leave following the incident, which has been condemned by the LFP and the UNFP. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened a case, with Boga and Moffi launching legal proceedings against the perpetrators of the alleged violence.

Haise has now provided details of what happened on Sunday night. “Players were hit… you don’t have five and seven days of sick leave by chance. The sporting director was hit, spat on: don’t tell me that it didn’t happen,” began the Nice manager, who has announced that he will remain as manager.

He added, “Even those who weren’t hit are shocked. The players don’t understand. What would have happened if someone had reacted? Some came in balaclavas with petanque balls… did they bring them to play petanque?” 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle