Public prosecutor launches investigation after Nice players clash with fans | OneFootball

The Nice Public Prosecutor's Office announced this Tuesday the opening of an investigation for aggravated assault following a confrontation between the Nice team and the club's own supporters.

About 200 Nice ultras gathered in front of the team's training center on Sunday to express their anger against players and coaching staff after the 3-1 defeat to Lorient in the Ligue 1. Two players filed complaints with the police.

Players' Reports

According to the athletes, upon arriving at the training center after landing at the airport, the team bus was blocked by the supporters in a “tense atmosphere,” as stated by prosecutor Damien Martinelli.

They had to get off the bus and walk to the training center through the crowd of enraged supporters. The players reported being “hit with punches, kicks, and spat on, as well as insulted.” Many of the supporters had their faces covered, added the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Investigation Details

The investigation for “aggravated assault, participation in a group prepared for violence or property damage, and failure to prevent a crime against physical integrity” was handed over to the criminal police, who have already started numerous interviews.

According to the prefecture, about 20 police officers were positioned in front of the training center after the club alerted about the hostile reception.

The decision was not to disperse the supporters before the bus's arrival to avoid worsening the situation. When the players got off, the police witnessed a commotion and the deployment of smoke bombs, but did not record clear acts of violence, although some may have gone unnoticed in the confusion.

Support from the French League

The French Football League (LFP) announced this Tuesday that it will join the players as part of the legal action “to fully support their initiative and help clarify these tense events.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.