Former Manchester United star Patrice Evra asked to leave Marseille after incident
Evra joined the French club from Juventus in January.
Ligue One outfit Olympique de Marseille have ordered the dismissal of defender Patrice Evra from the team after the Frenchman was found guilty of assaulting fans, ahead of a Europa League game. Evra failed to contain himself amid provocation from a group of fans.
Video footage showed Evra lashing out at one of his own club's fans. He was then led away by a teammate and referee Tamas Bognar red-carded him. Evra joined the French club from Juventus in January and has made only two appearances this season.
The former Manchester United man has won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during an eight-year spell with United and was considered among the greats at Old Trafford.
According to a statement issued by Marseille, both parties met and jointly decided to cease working together. The club was also keen to highlight the ungainly behaviour of fans in the incident, stating that a few people were at fault for deplorable remarks against the Frenchman and his family, which led to the player losing his cool.
The club added that they recognise the feelings of fans, but will do its utmost to make those responsible for the incident accountable. Jacques-Henri Eyraud, the Chairman of Olympique de Marseille, was apologetic for the step taken by the French club and has promised to bounce back from the incident.
"Today we are sad. First of all for Patrice Evra who has obviously suffered all the consequences of his action and can no longer play a part in his passion for Olympique de Marseille," Eyraud told the club's official website.
"Then for Marseille's supporters who have been stigmatised by the irresponsible behaviour of a few of their members. And finally for the club itself, whose reputation is stained, even though it had made the exemplary behaviour of everyone one of the cornerstones of its relaunch. Depite this incident, we are more determined than ever to show on the pitch and off that we are motivated by the highest possible standards, both individually and collectively," he added.
