PSG manager Christophe Galtier under grave accusations of racism and islamophobia

[BalanceUnAutreJoint]

I thought it was worth a thread since this is making huge waves in France.

According to both RMC and Romain Molina, Julien Fournier (Nice's sporting director at the time) wrote an e-mail to one of his superiors regarding some of the things Christophe Galtier told to him

Here is a translation on the article I found on reddit, all credit goes to user/Impartial__

Julien Fournier would have sent an email to Dave Brailsford, one of the men of INEOS, reporting shocking remarks that Christophe Galtier would have made during his mandate in Nice, reveals @Romain_Molina :

Excerpts from the email in question: “He (Christophe Galtier) told me that I had to take into account the reality of the city and that we couldn't have so many blacks and Muslims in the team. He said to me "Last night, I went to the restaurant and everyone ran into me saying that we have a team of blacks" then added "Julien, you must realize what city we are in. Our team does not correspond to what people want, as it does not correspond to me".

“The weeks leading up to Ramadan were a time for CG to continually complain that we had 'too many Muslim players' in the squad. »

As a reminder, Julien Fournier declared in September 2022 to RMC: "Very honestly, if I explain the real reasons why Christophe and I had a fight - because that's really the word - Christophe will no longer go into a locker room either in France or in Europe. »

Daniel Riolo indicates in @AfterRMC that he also received the document on Saturday evening after the Nice-PSG match. It also certifies that the email was really written by Julien Fournier. "It's word against word, it's Fournier against Galtier," he adds

RMC source : https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football...il-envoye-a-sa-direction_AV-202304110782.html

 

[gredanica]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

 

[Sir Erik ten Hag]

Keep the race stuffs out of football, please.

 

[mav_9me]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

In my opinion it is not important at all. Picking the best is the most important factor. In my opinion having a XI that has a racial composition to the country is foolish and a superficial way of appeasing/making it look like they are helping the minorities. The real thing to do is improve the opportunities for development of the particular sport in the underrepresented communities. But of course that takes genuine commitment and hard work. Easier to play politics and demand equal representation in the final squad irrespective of talent.

 

[DRJosh]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

I think it is entirely possible to make a racist remark even when there is a strong representation of non-White players in the French team. This is about the exclusionary intent of CG's statement. Also if you acknowledge the cultural history behind racial marginalisation and discrimination, you'd also realise that commentary on race is never straight forward in terms of having a 50-50 representation across majority and minority groups. It is more complex than that.

 

[Fridge chutney]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

Easy there Nigel...

 

[Tarrou]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

'everyone' is actually just one person in your example

most people don't care, and don't think it's that important

obviously, if people aren't getting selected because of race it's important and very wrong.. but if the best people are getting picked regardless of race, then I don't think it matters personally

 

[tenpoless]

Christopher but the r is silent

 

[Pronewbie]

In a healthy society the silent majority would prefer meritocracy.

 

[Isotope]

'everyone' is actually just one person in your example

most people don't care, and don't think it's that important

obviously, if people aren't getting selected because of race it's important and very wrong.. but if the best people are getting picked regardless of race, then I don't think it matters personally

Didn't know that @gredanica is an ex-Chelsea star.

 

[SirReginald]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

The country of France may not have such diversity yet they will have a lot of players qualify due to colonialism. A lot of Frances best ever players could have played for other nations.

This is something I’m surprised England doesn’t have more of and not just because of colonialism but also because of free movement of people in Europe.

While this issue in general isn’t offensive as it appears to be a genuine fact, how it is highlighted and for what purpose could be considered nefarious. The way it has been reported the manager approached the subject definitely appears to be racially motivated.

 

[Cloud7]

Poch back in?

 

[Member 125398]

Poch back in?

Big Ron to make a comeback.

 

[adexkola]

In a healthy society the silent majority would prefer meritocracy.

Strict meritocracy is awesome when

1. Structural inequalities don't exist
2. You pretend structural inequalities don't exist
3. Your method for evaluating merit is 100% objective

 

[Oranges038]

Big Ron to make a comeback.

FFS

 

[The Boy]

Didn't know that @gredanica is an ex-Chelsea star.

Maybe Galtier could join him and get a job as a racist coach at Leicester as well when PSG sack him.

 

[Murder on Zidanes Floor]

This is an increasing problem with certain population parts of towns and cities who, unfortunately due to being overlooked or failed by local and national governments, latch onto the notion of being overlooked in favour for an "other" and resentment breeds.

 

[Fr. Todd Unctious]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

Hi Suella..

 

[Desert Eagle]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

As long as there is equality of opportunity , the end racial composition as relates to society doesn't matter.

 

[Lash]

Awful if he's seriously taking the words of those people saying that shit to him into account. I respected him a lot, but if this is true, he sounds pathetic. Pandering to racist opinions.

Edit: misread it slightly, seems these are his opinions too. Bellend.

 

[Siorac]

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

Says France has pretty much no white players

Illustrates it with a starting XI with five white players (not counting Benzema whose skin tone is indistinguishable from, say, Griezmann's but I'll be gracious to the racists and won't count him)

Okay.

 

[Judas]

Keep the race stuffs out of football, please.

What is “race stuffs”?

 

[DWelbz19]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[SilentWitness]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Sounds like an ignorant cnut.

 

[SirReginald]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

I don’t understand the last sentence. Is he trying to justify the actions of someone attempting to prevent the practice of faith?

 

[AndySmith1990]

Pick the best people for the job. Race shouldn't have any relevance in the decision

 

[V.O.]

Surprised amadaeus hasn't been in yet to parade Poch's 'at least he's not a big auld racist' trophy.

 

[TrebleChamp99]

He was already gone at PSG and this will just exopodite it.

 

[Noot]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

Is that not more reflective of the fact that lots of African families have French heritage? Loads of the France squad are also eligible to play for an African nation, but if you have the opportunity to play for France of course you'll take it.

 

[rimaldo]

it’s 2023, so of course he’s going to get a lot of stick for this kind of thing. fortunately, he has a strong support network around him, jim davidson and the ghost of bernard manning have been pictured heading into his penthouse apartment to offer words of support. after being unapproached for comment, jim said “you can’t say what we all think nowadays. muslim players in football just doesn’t work. you can’t play a match without having a full english beforehand, and what’s that to a muslim? a couple of mushrooms and an egg? are they even allowed eggs?

then after the game they can’t even have a pint with the lads. do they even mean it when they sing ‘god save the king’? all the homoerotic stuff in the dressing room is also off limits to them. imagine going into a dressing room and not being able to pull on someone’s winkle as a joke?”

 

[cafecillos]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

I thank you for your heroism in fighting this inescapable censorship.

 

[Member 125398]

I thank you for your heroism in fighting this inescapable censorship.

You cant even say you can't say things anymore. That said, sometimes things should be censored as some things we read leave us with unpleasant mental imagery.

 

[sullydnl]

Its weird because when the England Lionesses don't have any black players, everyone cries that their team "doesn't represent the racial diversity of England : https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-euro-2022-women-football-b2135633.html

And yet when France (literally a white European country) men's team has a squad that is around 80% black/Arab which is not even remotely close to the actual racial composition of France, you are called a racist if you even notice that its strange that France has a team that contains pretty much no white players: https://footballarroyo.co.uk/wp-con...joins-Mbappe-Benzema-and-Dembele-in-Qatar.jpg

At which point is it important that teams actually represent the racial composition of the country/city that they play for? Because at the moment, it seems like a very, very obvious double standard that no-one is allowed to comment on.

Aside from the point others have made about who qualifies to play for the French national team, the class dynamic within the sport is another difference.

As Emma Hayes noted, women's football in England is predominantly a middle-class sport, with players tending to be drawn from that background. Whereas football in France isn't, with most of the team being from a working-class background. And the racial dynamics of class within both countries are such that this then skews the racial make-up of the team.

But obviously in terms of structural issues within the sport, the former is more of a red flag.

 

[Wednesday at Stoke]

That's like saying the Gladiators did not correspond to the audience in Roman colosseums. Who cares what the players look like and when they eat during a specific month so long as the football is good?

 

[V.O.]

On the topic of national team representation, it's always been a bit weird to me that countries like England, France and Holland are basically able to massively and directly benefit from their colonial past in international football.

Though I suppose there's no way around that without telling a load of English, French and Dutch people that they have to play for Jamaica/Guadeloupe/Suriname or whoever now. Which would, of course, be mental.

 

[reelworld]

On the topic of national team representation, it's always been a bit weird to me that countries like England, France and Holland are basically able to massively and directly benefit from their colonial past in international football.

Though I suppose there's no way around that without telling a load of English, French and Dutch people that they have to play for Jamaica/Guadeloupe/Suriname or whoever now. Which would, of course, be mental.

Imagine the 1998 French team without Zidane, Thuram, Desailly.

 

[BerryBerryShrew]

Sounds like an ignorant cnut.

The stuff about having too many black players in the opening post is blatantly racist and unacceptable (if true), but I'd imagine that fasting during Ramadan is genuinely suboptimal toward performance. Bit different IMO.

 

[SilentWitness]

The stuff about having too many black players in the opening post is blatantly racist and unacceptable (if true), but I'd imagine that fasting during Ramadan is genuinely suboptimal toward performance. Bit different IMO.

It's not different at all. It's extremely disrespectful and shows outright ignorance to their beliefs and religion.

 

[BerryBerryShrew]

It's not different at all. It's extremely disrespectful and shows outright ignorance to their beliefs and religion.

Of course it's different. There's a reasonable logic to not wanting players to deprive themselves of food/liquids based on performance. There is no reasonable logic to wanting players to be of a certain skin colour. Surely you can see that?

I remember that there were a few diehard christian international rugby players (definitely at least one from New Zealand and one from Scotland) who refused to play on Sundays because they felt it went against the fourth commandment (keeping the Sabbath day holy). Now if I was a manager and a player told me that they were going to miss a large percentage of matches for no logical reason, I wouldn't sign them and I wouldn't think myself bigoted not to.

 

[SilentWitness]

Of course it's different. There's a reasonable logic to not wanting players to deprive themselves of food/liquids based on performance. There is no reasonable logic to wanting players to be of a certain skin colour. Surely you can see that?

I remember that there were a few diehard christian international rugby players (definitely at least one from New Zealand and one from Scotland) who refused to play on Sundays because they felt it went against the fourth commandment (keeping the Sabbath day holy). Now if I was a manager and a player told me that they were going to miss a large percentage of matches for no logical reason, I wouldn't sign them and I wouldn't think myself bigoted not to.

It's nice of you not to think of yourself as bigoted. Ramadan isn't a random thing, it's a very big part of the Islamic religion and you know that your players who are Muslim (Which a manager should) will be taking part in this. It comes across as very ignorant to expect them to not take part in this just because of football when Muslims around the world have been playing football while fasting without issue for years.