By Marseille Sacks Patrice Evra Over Kung-fu Kick On Supporter
The management of Olympic Marseille have terminated the contract of Patrice Evra after he used kung-fu kick on a club’s supporter.
Evra had during the Europa match against Vitoria on November 2nd lashed out a kick at a fan after he was sent off by the referee. He claimed the fan abused him.
Marseille’s termination is coming after UEFA banned him from playing till June 2018. Evra was charged under Article 15 of the Disciplinary Regulations, which deals with the misconduct of players. His contract with the club was terminated with immediate effect after the ban.
According to the statement made available by the club on it’s official website, Evra played an important role in reviving the team and also improvement of results, but nothing could justify his reaction against a fan.
The statement reads, “Patrice Evra has been exemplary on the field and in the locker room. He played an important role in reviving the team and in the improvement of results.
“However, on November 2 in Guimaraes he committed an irreparable act by responding to provocations from a handful of individuals.
“Nothing justified such a reaction, especially from a senior player whose attitude both on and off the pitch should inspire the youngest of us.
“In that context, the conditions were no longer right for Patrice Evra to accomplish his mission here with serenity or, above all, effectively.
“Both parties agreed to end the collaboration by mutual consent.
“This incident also highlighted the unacceptable attitude of a small number of people who uttered insults and threats of violence towards the player and his family before contemptuously invading the pitch.
“Such behaviour, which exposes the club to sanctions, has no place in the stands of a football stadium and at Marseille in particular.”
Club president Jacques-Henri Eyraud added: “Today, there is sadness. For Patrice Evra first, who obviously understood all the consequences of his action and who will no longer be able to exercise his passion at Olympique de Marseille.
“Also for Marseille fans, who are stigmatised because of the irresponsible behaviour of a handful of them.”
Marseille’s American owner Frank McCourt had described Evra’s behaviour as “unacceptable” and “not something that we can tolerate”, while fans held up a giant banner before last Sunday’s game against Caen saying: “We don’t want you in our colours anymore. Evra get lost.”
Marseille have also been fined €25,000 by UEFA for their supporters invading the pitch, setting off fireworks and acts of damage.
