Patrice Evra Ends Contract With Marseille

Patrice Evra has been has been released by Olympique Marseille and banned from UEFA club competitions until June 30, 2018 for his kung-fu kick on a Marseille supporter before a Europa League match on November 2.

The former Manchester United and Juventus defender was also fined €10,000 after aiming an acrobatic kick at the head of a supporter last week, UEFA announced on Friday.

French football authorities may yet also impose a domestic ban on the veteran left-back.

The 36-year-old was warming up before the start of the match when he became involved in the heated dispute, which led to him being sent off.

Marseille confirmed late on Friday that Evra had left the club with a statement that had praised his behaviour up until last week’s incident.

“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 play as experienced and who should be providing an example to those younger than him.”

Marseille chief executive Jacques-Henri Eyraud added: “Today there is sadness.”

Marseille’s new American owner Frank McCourt said that Evra’s behaviour could not be tolerated.

“This was unacceptable behaviour, from both the player and the supporters,”McCourt told La Provence newspaper.

“It’s not something that we can tolerate at Marseille, it’s as simple as that.”