PSG manager Christophe Galtier under grave accusations of racism and islamophobia

[NWRed]

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.

"No one is allowed to comment on this thing I've just commented on", logic not a strong suit of yours is it.

Anyone can comment on anything in a free country, but the way in which you comment on it reveals your own prejudices.

One article in a not very popular newspaper reporting the comments of one person does represent the thoughts or opinions of "everyone" in a country of 70 million, and it's contents cannot be described as "crying".

France is literally a European country, but it is not literally a white country (whatever that means), describing it as such is, frankly, racist.

If you don't want to reveal your own racist opinions I suggest you think more carefully about what you say and how you say it.

 

[Herman Toothrot]

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 lack of diversity in The Lionesses squad suggests there is a problem at the grassroots in women's football in England which excludes minorities from getting involved, and that is concerning, but hopefully with the rise in popularity of the women's game, something that will change. A majority of black players in France's squad suggests there isn't such a problem at the grassroots in French men's football, and that's a good thing.

As for the 'literally a white European country' nonsense, I'm worried you're just leaning into something problematic. Do you think France should player lesser white players over better non-white players? Because there's a word for that.

 

[Lecland07]

The lack of diversity in The Lionesses squad suggests there is a problem at the grassroots in women's football in England which excludes minorities from getting involved, and that is concerning, but hopefully with the rise in popularity of the women's game, something that will change. A majority of black players in France's squad suggests there isn't such a problem at the grassroots in French men's football, and that's a good thing.

As for the 'literally a white European country' nonsense, I'm worried you're just leaning into something problematic. Do you think France should player lesser white players over better non-white players? Because there's a word for that.

Or they chose the best players and they happen to be white? You have to remember that the UK still has an 82% white demographic.

 

[BerryBerryShrew]

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.

I could be wrong on this, but I'd imagine that not all Muslims fast for Ramadan. Just like not all Christians observe Lent. So in that case, he might not have assumed that a player would be fasting just because he is Muslim.

In response to the bolded, I doubt that playing without eating/drinking during daylight hours is optimal. So obviously it is untrue that they have been doing it without issue.

 

[TsuWave]

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 mean, the composition of the French national team is reflective of their historical "exploits", no?

France is an European country, yes, but one that colonised a significant part of the globe - and as such its population is now reflective of this, which is then reflected in its national team. What's strange? And what are you confused about?

 

[sullydnl]

Or they chose the best players and they happen to be white? You have to remember that the UK still has an 82% white demographic.

If that was the case then the squad wouldn't also be predominantly middle-class.

 

[The Purley King]

The lack of diversity in The Lionesses squad suggests there is a problem at the grassroots in women's football in England which excludes minorities from getting involved, and that is concerning, but hopefully with the rise in popularity of the women's game, something that will change. A majority of black players in France's squad suggests there isn't such a problem at the grassroots in French men's football, and that's a good thing.

As for the 'literally a white European country' nonsense, I'm worried you're just leaning into something problematic. Do you think France should player lesser white players over better non-white players? Because there's a word for that.

Women’s professional football is only a recent thing. It wasn’t really viable as a career where you could earn decent money and that has now changed.
I’m sure that the make up of the women’s teams will change as well as a result.

 

[SilentWitness]

I could be wrong on this, but I'd imagine that not all Muslims fast for Ramadan. Just like not all Christians observe Lent. So in that case, he might not have assumed that a player would be fasting just because he is Muslim.

In response to the bolded, I doubt that playing without eating/drinking during daylight hours is optimal. So obviously it is untrue that they have been doing it without issue.

I think you have to take it in context. With the other complexes that Galtier is accused of it's quite reasonable to suggest him asking is in bad faith and ignorance.

You can have a bad game with or without fasting. Some players will fast and be the best on the pitch, others won't. Taking on fluids and food is just one facet of game preperation.

 

[Lecland07]

If that was the case then the squad wouldn't also be predominantly middle-class.

They won the Euros, did they not? So, did they not show they are the best in Europe and, therefore, the best in England?

Does that not mean that the best have been chosen?

 

[Herman Toothrot]

Or they chose the best players and they happen to be white? You have to remember that the UK still has an 82% white demographic.

I certainly think that is the case currently, I don't think they're not picking non-white women on purpose, but the lack of routes into the elite level in women's football for diverse communities is widely spoken about by leaders in the women's game. Yes, there's only around 4% of English people who identify as Black, Black British, Caribbean or African, but there's always been a lot of mixed players in the men's team, so you would expect more representation in the women's team and I'm almost certain it will happen.

 

[sullydnl]

They won the Euros, did they not? So, did they not show they are the best in Europe and, therefore, the best in England?

Does that not mean that the best have been chosen?

The best have been chosen from those who play women's football. The point is that the people who currently play women's football are predominantly middle class. Which suggests a lack of access and resources for those from other backgrounds. Especially as compared to men's football, which obviously isn't dominated by people from a middle class background.

 

[Herman Toothrot]

I mean, the composition of the French national team is reflective of their historical "exploits", no?

France is an European country, yes, but one that colonised a significant part of the globe - and as such its population is now reflective of this, which is then reflected in its national team. What's strange? And what are you confused about?

Exactly. It's also true that men's football is an overwhelmingly working-class game and, unfortunately, minorities are disproportionately represented in those in deep poverty. Without doing any research whatsoever, I suspect women's football is more heavily pursued in the UK by girls from middle-class families.

 

[Beachryan]

Having a bunch of older French relatives, what Galtier claims to have heard is absolutely said there, all the damn time, even when France were winning literally everything around 98/00. But hearing that stupidity and actually considering it are two different things, and it's outrageous that a modern manager would do so.

On the fasting/Ramadan thing - I disagree that not selecting a fasting player due to concerns about fitness is in any way islamaphobic. Not hiring them, sure, you offer a contract with eyes wide open. But in an age where every calorie in and out is measured, meals are prepared at specific times for specifc kickoffs and amounts of liquid and sugars are balanced down to the gram I refuse to believe a player doesn't lose something when they can't take anything in, especially up to 10 hours before a match. It's just physiology, not bigotry. So for a manager to say to a fasting player - I don't think you're going to last the 90 and therefore I'm swapping you out this week - that's entirely reasonable.

 

[NLunited]

There is definitely a lot of xenophobia, racism and anti-muslim sentiment in France and most everywhere else. I spend some time in France as well.

Denying or ignoring it is not doing any favours. A coach of a national team has to be beyond approach in this matter. This looks really bad.

My French friend is livid, as she volunteers teaching English to refugees.

 

[RoyH1]

If the allegations are true then surely Galtier loses his job?

 

[SilentWitness]

So for a manager to say to a fasting player - I don't think you're going to last the 90 and therefore I'm swapping you out this week - that's entirely reasonable.

The tweet says he asked them to not at all.

 

[sullydnl]

Having a bunch of older French relatives, what Galtier claims to have heard is absolutely said there, all the damn time, even when France were winning literally everything around 98/00. But hearing that stupidity and actually considering it are two different things, and it's outrageous that a modern manager would do so.

On the fasting/Ramadan thing - I disagree that not selecting a fasting player due to concerns about fitness is in any way islamaphobic. Not hiring them, sure, you offer a contract with eyes wide open. But in an age where every calorie in and out is measured, meals are prepared at specific times for specifc kickoffs and amounts of liquid and sugars are balanced down to the gram I refuse to believe a player doesn't lose something when they can't take anything in, especially up to 10 hours before a match. It's just physiology, not bigotry. So for a manager to say to a fasting player - I don't think you're going to last the 90 and therefore I'm swapping you out this week - that's entirely reasonable.

It seems pretty inarguable that it would have some impact on their energy levels, sleeping patterns, hydration, etc. By definition they're diverging from best preparation.

But then that has to be placed in the context of all the other hindrances athletes are expected to overcome. For example managers regularly expect players to play and perform through injury, sickness, having just arrived back from literal days' of travel, heavy amounts of gametime, etc. Not to mention anything else footballers might have on or do in their private lives that impacts their prep. Fasting might not be ideal but managing players in less than ideal condition is the norm, it shouldn't be a a particularly big issue.

 

[macheda14]

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.

I get what you're saying but England haven't benefited at all. We're still not winning anything..

 

[Paul_Pogba]

There is definitely a lot of xenophobia, racism and anti-muslim sentiment in France and most everywhere else. I spend some time in France as well.

Denying or ignoring it is not doing any favours. A coach of a national team has to be beyond approach in this matter. This looks really bad.

My French friend is livid, as she volunteers teaching English to refugees.

Tbh they're a lot better than the English, I've been all over France many many times and never felt uncomfortable.

My ex is French and as a someone with Middle Eastern heritage I was nervous going back to her home town and meeting her family and friends, bare in mind they were from a small town in the west of France.

They threw a big party and every single person was so welcoming and kind to me, a lot of them were boomers as well. The only person that made me feel uncomfortable was the British guy there to keep me company, he refused to speak English with me (I couldn't speak French) . When I left he came over to me, gave me a handshake and said " I know you're British but where are you really from?"

To this day it's the only covert racism I suffered.

 

[DWelbz19]

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

Think more just showing how despite being such a melt, Galtier still relied on him? Not sure.

 

[decorativeed]

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.

No-one is allowed to comment on it. Strange then that you just did.

 

[Okey]

I get what you're saying but England haven't benefited at all. We're still not winning anything..

Ouch!

 

[Karel Podolsky]

No-one is allowed to comment on it. Strange then that you just did.

Straight from Donald Trump textbook

 

[Rooney in Paris]

The Ramadan aspect has been done to death, nowadays Muslim players prepare just as well as others with nutritionists tailoring their preparation in anticipation for that month. It actually has a relatively little effect on those players who choose to fast.

 

[Isotope]

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.

With fasting, you can "skip" any days, then "pay" (do the fasting days they skip) them later when the fasting month is over.

 

[SilentWitness]

With fasting, you can "skip" any days, then "pay" (do the fasting days they skip) them later when the fasting month is over.

Yes, but that's not the point. It doesn't read like that is what Galtier is asking.

 

[acolyte]

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.

What a facepalm of a post. If no-one is allowed to comment on this then how did you?

As for your "literally a white European country" (JFC) here's what you can do: build a time machine, go back to 1534 and convince Cartier not to start claiming other parts of the world for France. If you can't do that, don't complain that the people descended from the French colonies now make up the vast majority of the best footballers in that country. Unless you think France should be picking worse white players over more talented ones of Arab/African/Caribbean descent.

And the Lionesses have few minority players because there are few minority women in the game at grassroots level.

 

[DJ Jeff]

No-one is allowed to comment on it. Strange then that you just did.

No one's point on this is that you catch fire and explode if you say anything.

 

[NYAS]

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.

This guy is basically calling for racial quotas and so many of you have actually taken the time to engage with him. How?

 

[VWW]

With fasting, you can "skip" any days, then "pay" (do the fasting days they skip) them later when the fasting month is over.

This isnt true.

This applies to people who are sick and elderly. Not multi millionaire healthy footballers. Its an excuse that some secular muslims use to get out of fasting and have tried to pass it off as legit. Unfortunately its recently been taken as the norm in the media and not the exception. Let me put it to you this way, there are muslims living in shanty towns in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan that are so poor but they still fast. How can people who are on the opposite side of the spectrum expect to get out of it?

Fasting is compulsory for all muslims...rich or poor.

 

[Herman Toothrot]

What a facepalm of a post. If no-one is allowed to comment on this then how did you?

As for your "literally a white European country" (JFC) here's what you can do: build a time machine, go back to 1534 and convince Cartier not to start claiming other parts of the world for France. If you can't do that, don't complain that the people descended from the French colonies now make up the vast majority of the best footballers in that country. Unless you think France should be picking worse white players over more talented ones of Arab/African/Caribbean descent.

And the Lionesses have few minority players because there are few minority women in the game at grassroots level.

Someone give this guy a point or however it works.

 

[stevoc]

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.

It would almost certainly affect the performance of a lot of them though.

A proper sleep pattern is also crucial for sports stars to aid recovery, especially with the demanding schedule associated with the top football leagues worldwide.

Epidemiologist Abdulaziz Farooq told Football Now that:-

80% of Muslim athletes reported that their endurance is reduced.

70% said their mental concentration suffered.

60% believed their sleep quality would lessen.

https://www.euronews.com/2022/03/31/what-is-it-like-to-be-a-footballer-during-ramadan

 

[Isotope]

This isnt true.

This applies to people who are sick and elderly. Not multi millionaire healthy footballers. Its an excuse that some secular muslims use to get out of fasting and have tried to pass it off as legit. Unfortunately its recently been taken as the norm in the media and not the exception. Let me put it to you this way, there are muslims living in shanty towns in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan that are so poor but they still fast. How can people who are on the opposite side of the spectrum expect to get out of it?

Fasting is compulsory for all muslims...rich or poor.

I have plenty of muslim friends, and that's what they said.

But I don't know, you're probably right and they're wrong. I can assure you they're not millionaires though.

 

[Isotope]

Yes, but that's not the point. It doesn't read like that is what Galtier is asking.

Just reading the quotes, I don't think he's saying anything outrageous. It depends how the person take it. It's reasonable to ask if they can skip fasting as it does affecting performance if you don't eat well and have to do intense sport.

Plenty of time I was asked to do field inspection/work on Sunday when it supposed to be a sacred day for Christian. I don't feel in anyway offended. So yeah, it depends on how a person takes it. And also the way they were asked.

 

[Andy_Cole]

With fasting, you can "skip" any days, then "pay" (do the fasting days they skip) them later when the fasting month is over.

This is used when you’re not well, or girls on their period. Not because you don’t feel like fasting that day.

 

[Isotope]

This is used when you’re not well, or girls on their period. Not because you don’t feel like fasting that day.

Or someone has to do something important for their life. But yeah, I stand corrected then, as i was just told differently.

 

[Red the Bear]

With fasting, you can "skip" any days, then "pay" (do the fasting days they skip) them later when the fasting month is over.

Unless you have a condition you wouldn't be able to, it's compulsory for most muslim sects as far as I'm aware.

 

[Cloud7]

I get what you're saying but England haven't benefited at all. We're still not winning anything..

 

[Grylte]

The lack of diversity in The Lionesses squad suggests there is a problem at the grassroots in women's football in England which excludes minorities from getting involved, and that is concerning, but hopefully with the rise in popularity of the women's game, something that will change. A majority of black players in France's squad suggests there isn't such a problem at the grassroots in French men's football, and that's a good thing.

As for the 'literally a white European country' nonsense, I'm worried you're just leaning into something problematic. Do you think France should player lesser white players over better non-white players? Because there's a word for that.

I'm no expert, but i don't think many muslim women are allowed to play football. That's definitely a factor.

 

[Cheimoon]

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__



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

As an additional detail that's not in that Reddit translation but is in that RMC article, Galtier apparently also justified his views on the ethnocultural composition of Nice's squad by saing that 'nous sommes dans la ville de Jacques Médecin' ('we are in the city of Jacques Médecin'). I had never heard of the guy, but a quick Wikipedia read-up tells me that Médecin was mayor of Nice for a long time, and was a real right-wing, conversative guy, who ended up (late 80s/90s) strongly sympathizing with Jean-Marie Le Pen and his Front National. That looks like another clear indication of racist sympathies on Galtier's part.