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The allegation were made in emails of Julien
Fournier, the former director of football at Nice. Galtier, now
coach of Paris St Germain, was in charge of Nice during the
2021-22 season.
"There is a preliminary investigation into discrimination based
on alleged race or religion. The headquarters of OGC Nice are
being searched," Nice prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme said on Friday.
According to RMC Sport website, Fournier's emails alleged that
Galtier complained about "having too many black and Muslim
players" in the Nice team.
"I have decided to take legal action against those who have
violated my honour and I can only be satisfied with the opening
of an investigation," Galtier told a news conference ahead of
Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against second-placed RC Lens
at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.
"As many of you I was stunned by the comments that were
attributed to me and that were relayed in an irresponsible
manner," Galtier added.
"I am a child of the HLM estates (subsidised housing estates),
raised in diversity, raised to respect others no matter their
origin, their colour or their religion."
PSG said they supported their head coach.
"PSG supports Christophe Galtier and wishes that the judicial
system will shine a light on he truth on the serious allegations
against our coach," PSG said in a statement.
Fournier said earlier this week that he was dismayed by the
timing of the revelation, although he did not deny having made
the allegation.
Galtier has been placed under protection by PSG, daily newspaper
Le Parisien reported, after his phone number was shared on
social media.
Several Ligue 1 coaches and footballers who played under Galtier
have been supporting the PSG coach.
"I worked with Galtier and never felt negative behaviour from
him about my religion or nationality. He is a great coach as
well as a great person," said Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz, a
Muslim who won the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2021 under
Galtier.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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