Just hours before the League Cup final, OGC Nice is preparing for their match against a backdrop of a media crisis. Some newspapers continue to openly and unfairly criticize the attitude of the Nice supporters.
“Every year, the media targets one club. This year, it’s us,” Fred says with a clear sense of powerlessness as he comments on the “media harassment” that the club from Nice is enduring. A member of the Issa Nissa supporters’ club, the young man condemns the “deplorable and unjustified” attitude of certain newspapers and questions the veracity of their information: “One wonders where these people, who claim to be journalists, get their information.” At the club’s headquarters, the same sense of outrage prevails, albeit with more philosophy: “We remain on good terms with journalists who do their job properly.
“We try to sort out the good from the bad,” explains Nicolas, from the club’s communications department. A few days ago, the daily newspaper L’Equipe reported on racist remarks and violent acts around the Ray stadium. Accusations that have the knack of irritating the Nice officials. On Sunday, during a press conference, Maurice Cohen, president of OGC Nice, expressed his indignation: “A very bad image of the club is being conveyed. Our supporters are certainly not lambs. But the statements that one reads here and there are not the truth.” Even today, the media frenzy was at the heart of all discussions.
“We’re tired of being treated like thugs. Violence and racist shouting can be found in all stadiums, not only in Nice. It’s the result of a minority of pseudo-supporters, and we condemn them. We shouldn’t blame everyone,” comments Tristan, a member of the BSN (Brigade Sud Nice).
From a sporting perspective, the players are in their bubble, and the club is doing everything possible not to disturb them. Until Saturday, the club’s statements will be planned. The coach and players will only communicate after the training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. According to Nicolas, “the players are very focused, and the final will be prepared under good conditions.” The supporters, however, do not have the means to respond in the press.
But in the stands of the Stade de France, they intend to prove their true worth. Nicolas advocates for this solution: “The best response is to behave as well as possible during the final and to remain good supporters. To have a great celebration in a good spirit.” A word to the wise…
Sébastien Spitaleri