Former PSG manager Christophe Galtier arrested over alleged racist remarks

The 56-year-old has won two Ligue 1 as manager

Christophe Galtier, the former manager of PSG, and his son, John Valovic-Galtier, were taken into arrest by police in Nice this morning.

Both men have been charged with using racial insults and making racist comments dating back to 2021, according to Le Parisien (via GFFN).

These negative claims apparently first surfaced in April thanks to Julien Fournier, the former sporting director of Ligue 1 side, OGC Nice. Galtier, in contrast, vehemently denied these accusations and even pursued legal action for slander.

According to recent reports, a series of emails served as the basis for these accusations. These letters are said to show a conversation between Galtier and Fournier in which the racial and religious makeup of the Nice team was discussed.

The former PSG manager purportedly wrote in the message at that point, according to Spectator Index on Twitter:

"You have built a team of scum. There are only blacks and half the team goes to the mosque on Friday."

Fournier, contrary to the story, has asserted that he is not the source of the possibly damaging emails' disclosure. Notably, the sporting director was the subject of a police inquiry about this sensitive situation in May.

Other prominent Nice residents have not evaded the investigation. Didier Digard, a former Nice coach, and Jean-Pierre Rivere, the club's president, have also provided the detectives with statements regarding similar claims.

Galtier reportedly hired security services after the accusations sparked an angry response from the public. PSG and Nice have not responded to the claims of prejudice.

Before joining PSG, Galtier spent a single season as the manager of OGC Nice, which is owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the second-richest person in the United Kingdom.

Nevertheless, despite having helped them win their 11th straight domestic championship this year, he is anticipated to be replaced by former Spain manager Luis Enrique in the near future due to their failure in the Champions League. Although a departure deal has not yet been decided, Galtier is well aware that he is leaving the club.