Evra gets boot for kung-fu kick at fan

PATRICE EVRA has been sacked in disgrace by French club Marseille over his Eric Cantonastyle kung-fu kick at a fan. The 36-year-old former Manchester United leftback was summoned to meet club bosses yesterday after UEFA had banned him from European club football until the end of June and fined him just under £10,000. Evra will still be able to play domestic matches during his seven-month suspension so it is unclear whether this will mean the end of his career. He clashed with supporters before the Europa League game against Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal. After being subjected to jeers during the warmup, the Frenchman went

to confront the culprits. An explosive pitch-side brawl then ensued, with his kick reminiscent of Cantona’s infamous lunge on a Crystal Palace fan in 1995. Evra was led away by team-mates but was then sent off by the referee before UEFA began an investigation. Frank McCourt, Marseille’s American owner, later said Evra’s actions were ‘unacceptable’ and a statement yesterday confirmed the player had left the club. The Marseille website said: ‘The player’s contract is officially terminated with immediate effect. ‘Since January 2017, Evra played an important role in the revival of the team, the significant improvement of results, the revival of a high sporting ambition. ‘He has committed the irreparable in responding to the outrageous provocations of a handful of individuals. ‘That said, nothing would justify such actions, even less so on the part of a player as experienced and who should be providing an example to those younger than him.’ Marseille also condemned the fans who targeted Evra: ‘This incident also highlighted the unacceptable attitude of a small number of people who uttered insults and verbal threats of violence towards the player and his family.’ Marseille chief executive Jacques-Henri Eyraud added: ‘Today there is sadness.’ Evra, who played 273 Premier League games for United, joined Marseille for free from Juventus in January on an 18-month deal.