“Let them stay at home if it’s to insult the dead”, condemns Christophe Galtier after a song by Nice supporters mocking the death of Emilano Sala

“He’s an Argentinian, who doesn’t swim well, Emiliano under water, Emiliano under water, Emiliano under water”. This song, proclaimed by some of the Nice supporters in the ninth minute of their meeting against Saint-Etienne, Wednesday May 11, deeply shocked. “What a shame… It’s disgusting”reacted Valentin Rongier, midfielder of Olympique de Marseille and former teammate of Emiliano Sala.

Taking up the tune of the Nantes song to the glory of the Argentine striker who tragically died in a plane crash over the Channel in 2019, the people of Nice have modified the lyrics to transform a tribute into attacks. A provocation, four days after losing the Coupe de France final against the Canaries, probably triggering this song.

press release#OGCNice

—OGC Nice (@ogcnice) May 11, 2022

The Riviera club hastened to react a few minutes after the final whistle via a press release. “OGC Nice condemns in the strongest terms the song about Emiliano Sala heard Wednesday evening at the Allianz Riviera. The club does not recognize its values ​​or those of the entire red and black family in this unthinkable provocation and abject from a minority of his supporters.”

The Aiglons coach, Christophe Galtier, also spoke at a press conference following the victory (4-2) of his team against Saint-Etienne. “I have no adjectives to define what I heard. On behalf of my dressing room, I would like to apologize to Emiliano Sala’s family and to FC Nantes. This is unacceptable. That they stay at home if it’s to insult the dead or send bottles, we’ll win without them”, he launched very annoyed. Andy Delort, double scorer, also reacted visibly disgusted on Twitter.

For Emiliano

Have a good evening. #OGCNASSE

—Andy Delort (@AndyDelort9) May 11, 2022

Nice fans also lashed out at their players and Coupe de France referee Stephanie Frappart after starting the game with a cheering strike.