The Ultras of Populaire Sud Nice have issued a statement in which they call for a boycott of the trip to Monaco. The OGC Nice supporters group denounces repeated restrictions and an unjustified exclusion.
In this tense atmosphere, the main ultra group of Gym reacted. Populaire Sud Nice announced that they would not be traveling to Monaco for the upcoming trip this Sunday.
In their statement, the Ultras explain that they made the decision “after careful consideration” to not travel to the Louis-II stadium. They mention years of struggle for their freedom of movement and believe that their rights have once again been violated.
According to them, the reception conditions in Monaco are inadequate, and Nice supporters would not be welcome. The group therefore refuses to select only a few hundred people among its members. To mark their disagreement, they announce that the 600 allocated tickets will not be used and will remain empty.
The statement insists: “No one will go.” The message is clear. It is not only an organizational choice but a symbolic stance to denounce a climate of restrictions and tensions.
The Ultras also call on the holders of the 400 other tickets on sale to join the movement and show solidarity. For them, collective refusal is the best response to what they consider an exclusion.
A strong gesture while the Gym is under scrutiny
This boycott occurs in a particular context. After the episode of homophobic chants against Paris FC, the southern stand could be sanctioned. The threat of closure already looms, which would further reinforce the feeling of pressure on the ultra movement.
Sporting results also complicate the situation. The Gym failed to win against Paris FC and remains in the middle of the standings. The supporters denounce a struggling team, which fuels their frustration. In their text, they mention the “pitiful results” and emphasize that this supports their choice to boycott the trip.
Thus, the message sent goes beyond mere logistic issues. The Ultras intend to remind that their role goes beyond animating the stands. They want to influence the debate on supporters’ freedom of movement and demonstrate their ability for collective mobilization.
And now?
These incidents will not remain without consequences. The referee reported the facts in his report, and the disciplinary committee of the LFP must make a decision. OGC Nice risks a fine and particularly the partial or total closure of the southern stand.
As a reminder, the match of the 6th day of Ligue 1 between OGC Nice and Paris FC marked a turning point. While the Niçois were leading 1-0 thanks to a goal by Sofiane Diop, homophobic chants broke out in the southern popular stand in the 85th minute. Referee Abdelatif Kherradji suspended the match. The announcer called for calm, then Jonathan Clauss, captain of the Gym, interacted with the supporters. The match resumed, but Paris FC equalized shortly after with a penalty converted by Jean-Philippe Krasso.
The disciplinary commission is expected to make a decision soon regarding the homophobic chants. OGC Nice faces the risk of a financial sanction and a partial or total closure of the southern stand. If the latter option is chosen, it would further limit the presence of Ultras at future matches.
For their part, supporters emphasize their cohesion. By refusing to travel to Monaco, they prefer to stay united rather than divided between the “lucky ones” and those excluded. They finally remind that there will be other opportunities to follow the team away this season, but not under these conditions.
The rift between institutions and supporters seems to be widening. Following the episode of homophobic chants, this boycott appears as another sign of defiance. In a tense atmosphere, every decision will weigh on the rest of the season, both in the stands and on the field.
