Marseille Have Officially Issued Punishment To Patrice Evra After Kicking Fan

Just two days after one of the most outrageous incidents in recent years happened at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques stadium, former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has been suspended with immediate effect.

The 36-year-old was sent off before the Europa League had even even kicked off, after literally kicking one of his own fan's in the head. Evra walked towards the fans, who reportedly had been hurling abuse at the French full-back, and aimed a punch at a supporter before he produced his best Eric Cantona impression.

Marseille released a statement on Friday, stating that 'a professional player must maintain self-control despite provocations and insults, no matter how unjustified they may be'

And now the French side have handed Evra a further punishment for his actions.

In a new statement, the club said: "Jacques-Henri Eyraud, President of Olympique de Marseille, met Patrice Evra today and informed him of his layoff with immediate effect and his summons to an interview prior to a possible disciplinary sanction.

"In addition, the first results of the internal investigation conducted by the club reveal an unacceptable behaviour on the part of a handful of provocateurs who uttered particularly serious hateful attacks against the player, even though the latter and his teammates warmed up for an important meeting.

"As a professional and experienced player, Patrice Evra could not respond in such an inappropriate way.

"The club is continuing its investigation and will use all the legal means at its disposal against individuals who, under the guise of their passion for OM, endanger their reputation by entering the field and insulted a player, instead of supporting him."

A report from L'Equipe claimed that the 36-year-old may never wear the Marseille shirt again, as the club are wary that Evra could trigger a civil war with the supporters. The report goes on, saying: 'Depending on the seriousness of the facts reported in the referee's report, he could be suspended for several months on the European scene.'

L'Equipe then compare Evra's incident to Eric Cantona's infamous 'kung-fu' kick, when he was banned for seven months in 1995.

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Topics: Marseille, Patrice Evra

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_