Club captain takes dig at INEOS ownership

Questions have continued to surround the direction of clubs linked to INEOS in recent months.

At Manchester United, the group led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe has faced increasing scrutiny from supporters.

Ratcliffe’s controversial immigration comments earlier this year sparked widespread backlash, while fan groups have also stages protests against decisions and comments made by the club’s leadership.

Elsewhere in European football, frustrations have also begun surfacing inside the dressing room of another club connected to the INEOS structure.

Following a heavy defeat that deepened an already difficult campaign, a senior player publicly suggested that responsibility for the club’s struggles extends far beyond the pitch.

Only later did it become clear that the comments had come from OGC Nice captain Dante.

Speaking after Nice’s 4-0 defeat in Ligue 1, the veteran defender admitted the squad must take responsibility for performances but hinted that deeper issues remain behind the scenes.

“This season has been difficult,” Dante said in comments reported by Get French Football News.

“We have to take responsibility now, but there are lots of people to blame for it. There are some who are still here, some who have left, some who are very far away.”

The wording of the statement raised eyebrows given the ongoing scrutiny of the club’s hierarchy and ownership structure.

INEOS, the multinational group headed by Ratcliffe, has been involved with Nice for several years and has overseen significant structural changes within the club during that period.

Nice’s current season has been particularly turbulent.

Managerial changes, supporter unrest and poor results have all contributed to a difficult campaign.

Tensions escalated further earlier in the season when fans reportedly confronted players and staff at the club’s training ground following a defeat to Lorient.

The situation left several players shaken, while others departed during the January transfer window.

Dante, who has captained the side through much of the turmoil, also revealed he is prepared to push himself physically in the final months of the campaign.

The experienced defender is expected to retire at the end of the season but insisted he will do everything possible to help the club avoid relegation.

Despite the uncertainty surround the club, Dante made clear that the players remain focused on finishing the season strongly, even as questions continue to swirl around the leadership above them.