Kung-fu Evra is kicked out
MARSEILLE AXE STAR IN FAN FIGHT
PATRICE EVRA’S contract with Marseille has been terminated after the former Manchester United full back aimed a kung-fu kick at a fan’s head before a Europa League match last week.
The French club confirmed their decision 20 minutes after UEFA revealed the 36-year-old left back has been banned from European club football until the end of June 2018 and fined ¤10,000 (£8,829).
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 game against Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal. After being subjected to jeers during the warm-up, the Frenchman went to confront the culprits.
An explosive pitch- side brawl ensued, with his kick reminiscent of Eric Cantona’s 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 out-rageous 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, adding: ‘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.
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