Pair verbally and physically abused as they left team bus
Nice to await police report before deciding on response
The Nice players Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga have been placed on sick leave after the team were confronted by supporters upon their return from a 3-1 defeat at Lorient.
Moffi was given a week’s leave and Boga five days, both effective from Monday, after an estimated 400 fans gathered outside the club’s training centre on Sunday night. The pair were verbally and physically abused as they left the team bus after the travelling party was swamped by ultras unhappy at a sixth consecutive loss in all competitions. The club’s sporting director, Florian Maurice, was also among those targeted.
Two fans are understood to have boarded the bus to vent their grievances before the players, initially reluctant to leave the vehicle, alighted. The resulting attack means Moffi, the Nigeria striker, will miss next Sunday’s home match against Angers after being signed off by Nice’s medical staff. Boga, the former Chelsea and Birmingham winger, could return if he is deemed ready. According to one report in France they were spat on, punched, kicked and subjected to racist abuse. As well as any physical injury, the players are understood to be psychologically shaken.
