African stars want to leave Nice

The storm in Nice, caused by the supporters of the club who attacked players and sporting director is not calming at all. After disastrous results in the Europa League, along with poor performances in Ligue 1, the supporters attacked players Jeremie Boga and Terem Moffi, while sporting director Florian Maurice was kicked and slapped. The supporters didn‘t insult coach Franck Haise, but told him to play with youngsters who ‘feel‘ the club. Just after the attack, Haise was on the verge of quitting, claiming that ‘the line has been crossed‘ and the morning news were full of articles about him leaving. But, he surprisingly decided to stay in the club, and said that he wants to ‘fight until the end‘.

Two African players attacked by their own supporters

But the attacked players don‘t want to go that way. The Nice public prosecutor's office announced on Tuesday that it has opened an investigation to shed light on these events. Boga and Moffi already filed a complaint against persons unknown, and the club is contemplating doing the same. Moffi was specially the target, as his image smiling with Lorient president after the defeat triggered the fans even more, even though Moffi just greeted the man, since the moved from Nice to Lorient and knows the president. The Nigerian has has been placed on sick leave until Sunday while the Ivory Coast international has been given a sick leave of at least five days. Both players want to leave the club.

Contacted by RMC Sport, Jeremie Boga's entourage reported that the player was "shocked" and had been beaten "all over his body" by "five to ten people.

"He tried to protect himself as best he could before being helped by a teammate.This is the first time he's experienced anything like this" his close friend said.

The UNFP, the main players' union, quickly offered its support to the Nice team, while Sports Minister Marina Ferrari expressed similar thoughts. Coach Haise explained his reasons for staying despite the scandal.

"My decision comes after two and a half days of reflection. A lot has happened since Sunday night. What we experienced is unacceptable, regardless of your profession. It's unacceptable to be put in physical danger. Things could have been even worse. We can't ignore what happened. When I hear that not much happened... Jeremie Boga and Terem Moffi were hit. Players don't get 5 and 7 days of sick leave by chance. The sporting director Florian Maurice was hit, spat on; don't tell me that didn't happen. You have to take responsibility, and that wasn't the case. What would have happened if someone had reacted? Some came wearing balaclavas, with petanque balls... Was it to play petanque?" he told L‘Equipe. Haise also admitted that he didn‘t have any help from the club officials, from the owner Sir Jim Rattclife, to the CEO and president of the club but that ‘everybody has to take responsibility‘.