PSG head coach Galtier in police custody for alleged racist remarks in 2021

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) head coach Christophe Galtier was reportedly placed in police custody on Friday following allegations of making racist remarks against Black and Muslim players during his time at OGC Nice, his former club.

French daily Le Parisien reported that Galtier, 56, was held by the Nice police to provide a statement regarding the alleged remarks made during his tenure in 2021.

Galtier's son, John Valovic-Galtier, was released after being questioned. The French police are currently investigating the case, which was triggered by a leaked email.

Previously a leaked e-mail from Julien Fournier, former director of football of Nice, had alleged racist and discriminatory remarks, according to journalist Romain Molina and France's RMC Sport.

"We could not have so many Blacks and Muslims within the team," Galtier said, according to the email, allegedly expressing dissatisfaction with the number of "Blacks and Muslims" in the Nice squad who attended the mosque on Fridays.

French media previously reported that PSG would investigate Galtier for this case.

Galtier took the helm of PSG last July to win the 2023 French Ligue 1 title.

He won the French league with Lille in the 2020-21 season before his move to Nice.