The Algerian international was booed by his own fans in his side’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Montpellier and Alexandre Lacombe has not been impressed by the club’s fans’ antics
In Sochaux Montbéliard’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of reigning Ligue 1 champions, Algerian international, Ryad Boudebouz was in for a very dull evening. The young winger was simply nowhere to be seen and his presence in the ground did not help Les Lionceaux
at all.
However, the player’s performance in that game was not the biggest talking point in the post-match press conference and analysis. It was how the player was treated by his following his substitution in the 59th minute.
According to the player, he was met by racist slurs by a section of the Sochaux supporters. The youngster, who joined the Algerian national side on Sunday night to prepare for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, has experienced a turbulent weekend.
On his Twitter account, the Sochaux midfielder spoke about the events of Saturday night. The winger said that he was called a dirty Arab by some fans.
“I understand that some fans are upset over my performance, but then to call someone casual or dirty Arab, I do not agree with that,” said Boudebouz on his twitter account.
Since then, the player has refused to speak on the subject.
“He is of course affected, but he is intelligent. A few nights ago, visibly detestable things were said. Ryad has been great. He never said that he wanted to leave at any cost, and that continuing with Sochaux would not be a problem,” said Alexandre Lacombe,
president of Les Lionceaux.
Boudebouz was hotly linked with a move to Olympique de Marseille. However, Les Phoceens don’t have the necessary financial means to conduct a transfer of the Algerian star. Despite being unable to secure a move to the Velodrome, Boudebouz has maintained
his professional integrity and the way fans reacted at his performance certainly does not bode well for the team’s image.
In recent times, UEFA has come down hard on racism and Sochaux fans’ reaction to the player’s performance could have created a PR fiasco.
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