Lorient vs Lille OSC preview - Lorient receive abuse over Ben Arfa

Lorient director Arnaud Tanguy has admitted to receiving hate mail after standing accused of alerting the football authorities of Hatem Ben Arfa's ineligibility for Nice.

Less than a fortnight ago Ben Arfa was released from his contract with Newcastle and allowed to join the Ligue 1 side.

But FIFA has ruled Ben Arfa cannot play for Nice for the rest of the season due to a ruling that prevents a player from playing for more than two sides in a single campaign.

Ben Arfa initially spent the first few months of this season on loan with Hull, making nine appearances, and although he did not turn out for Newcastle's senior team, he did play as an over-age player in the under-21s prior to joining the Tigers.

Fingers of suspicion have been pointed at Lorient for letting the cat out of the bag, but Tanguy is adamant such accusations are wrong.

Ahead of a Judicial Commission hearing on Tuesday that is to hear an appeal, Tanguy said: "We have not denounced anyone, but one person has informed.

"We get hate mail, threatening, insulting because someone within the (French Football) Federation has given up the name of Lorient. This is irresponsible."

Asked as to why Lorient are in the dock, speaking to L'Equipe, Tanguy added: "With the transfer window we studied options, especially those who play in England and have worn different shirts.

"So we took information from the league, our only interlocutor, and the league advised us not to go on that land. They clearly explained there was a risk of non-approval of the contract.

"It makes us look like the ugly duckling, yet all we did was take advice on the regulatory framework that governs our business."

The situation has overshadowed the build-up to Saturday's latest league encounter at home to Lille, with Lorient desperate for a win after a run of four straight defeats in league and cup competitions.

Lille, meanwhile, head into the game on the crest of a wave after back-to-back league wins for the first time this season, as well as a league cup triumph that has set up a semi-final clash with PSG.

"We will put that to the back of our minds," said defender Sebastien Corchia of the tie with the reigning champions.

As a warning, he added: "We are playing with a bit more freedom, but we've still not ignited."