OGC Nice, the Ligue 1 club owned by Ineos, is in turmoil after hundreds of supporters physically assaulted players and staff following a sixth straight loss. The incident occurred on 30 November when the team bus arrived at the training ground after a 3-1 defeat at Lorient. Around 400 fans gathered, hitting and spitting on targeted individuals, including striker Terem Moffi and winger Jérémie Boga.
Moffi and Boga have since been on sick leave. Sporting director Florian Maurice was also attacked. Manager Franck Haise revealed that some fans wore balaclavas and carried pétanque balls. The club, the players' union UNFP, and the LFP condemned the violence, with the public prosecutor's office opening an investigation. The LFP said it would join as a civil party in any complaints filed by the players.
Nice mayor Christian Estrosi downplayed the incident, citing a police report that did not mention physical violence. However, former president Jean-Pierre Rivère criticised the minimisation, saying it did not match the club's image. The team's struggles have deepened, with a ninth straight loss following the assault, and attendances dropping to under 4,000 for a Europa League match against Braga, where Nice exited the competition winless.
Haise, who offered to leave after a previous defeat but later considered resigning, ultimately decided to stay. He has publicly stressed the seriousness of the attack, saying, 'Don't tell me it didn't happen.' The squad boycotted media duties ahead of the Lens match, leaving Haise to face questions alone. The club remains fractured, with fans booing players during subsequent home defeats.
