Ultras of OGC Nice Issue Strong Statement Following Recent Clashes

The situation in Nice is heating up. As various voices from the club arise in recent days, a section of the ultras has also decided to speak out following the disturbances that occurred last Sunday. On Thursday evening, Populaire Sud Nice released a sharp statement announcing their decision to boycott the upcoming matches of the team. “The Ultra Populaire Sud Nice association, loyal to the club for 40 years and its history, cannot accept that Nice supporters are tarnished. Following the press release from the OGC Nice players and numerous media reactions, the association wants to clarify the events that took place at the training center last Sunday evening. The gathering stemmed from a climate of accumulated anger fueled by the disconnected and sometimes disrespectful attitude of some players toward the jersey, the club, and its fans. This was not initiated or coordinated by the Ultra Populaire Sud Nice. We have communicated on this matter through our lawyer, Maître Lucie Lomelet. During this spontaneous movement, the atmosphere was hostile, and the chants were intense. It would be dishonest to deny that. However, we categorically reject the accusations of physical violence. No blows or violent gestures were reported by law enforcement. This was confirmed by the relevant authorities: Aurélie Lebourgeois, chief of staff for the Alpes-Maritimes prefect, stated: ‘The police teams did not observe any targeted violence during the incidents. That evening, there were no reports of injuries, and no emergency services were called to the scene.’ It was only the following day that based on individual statements, two complaints were lodged. We acknowledge the opening of an investigation, which we urge to be thorough and impartial, based solely on verifiable facts,” the statement read.

“We refuse to accept amalgamations and exaggerations. We reject slander. We might have understood if the players expressed concern or even condemned this popular movement. However, we cannot accept them accusing those present of physical violence. What happened on Sunday night needs clarification, not distortion. With players issuing false statements filled with conspiracy theories, particularly regarding the alleged inaction of law enforcement, trust has been broken. With a beleaguered coach, abandoned by some players, seeking comfort from his supporters while, in a false show of unity, flip-flops overnight. Also, with shareholders only visible by their names on the walls of the training center, which has become a place devoid of our club’s identity. Also, with leaders who condone all of this without taking any action. We know that all those who do not accept lies, disrespect, and manipulation will boycott the next match. The upcoming matches. We, who work all week. We, who give our weekends. Those who are disrespected today do not wish to travel to witness their scandalous behavior once again. You no longer interest us. And since some of you invoke the law, are you sure you respect it? And since some of you promote empathy and respect, are you sure you are above reproach? It is up to us to hold you accountable for the numerous lapses circulating on social media and in fan discussions. In the face of the unacceptable, it is uncertain that the locker room, the club, and the media tribunal will remain united. You do not dishonor only the OGC Nice, but football and high-level sports as a whole. We, builders, students, unemployed, are returning to our families; you are no longer part of it,” the atmosphere remains tense.