Moyes replacement may be a big risk
One of the two candidates under consideration for the West Ham managerial position had a controversial past involving allegations of racism.
Initially, it was believed that Paolo Fonseca was the controversial candidate due to tax issues preventing him from taking the Spurs job. However, it has emerged that former PSG boss Christophe Galtier was also involved in a high-profile police investigation.
Galtier, during his time at Ligue 1 side Nice, faced accusations of racism and discrimination. He was taken into police custody in June while still at PSG and charged with “moral harassment and discrimination based on ethnic group membership or non-membership.” These allegations stemmed from a leaked email where Galtier reportedly discussed the racial composition of the squad and expressed a desire limit some ethnicities in the team owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Moyes replacement Christophe Galtier with Dimitri Payet
Despite facing serious charges and testimonies from former players alleging racial or religious discrimination, Galtier was acquitted on all counts after a week-long trial. The court heard accounts detailing the breakdown of the relationship between Galtier and the club’s director of football, as well as testimonies from players who claimed mistreatment.
Uncomfortable testimonies for Moyes replacement
Among these testimonies, Nice star defender Jean Clair Todibo, stated that he felt pressured to break his Ramadan fast and was called an “extremist” by Galtier. Additionally, former club goalkeeper Teddy Boulhendi and midfielder Hicham Boudaoui shared similar experiences of feeling pressured to eat on matchdays.
During the trial, Galtier admitted to referring to two opposition defenders as “King Kong,” but he argued that it was not racially motivated, citing a similar reference made to a white defender. He maintained that his comments were meant to convey strength and power rather than race.
Galtier has been acquitted.