OLYMPIC MARSEILLE HAVE SUSPENDED PATRICE EVRA.

Marseille have suspended Patrice Evra after he kicked out a fan ahead of a Europa League clash.
The ex-Manchester United defender, who was named as a substitute for the match against Vitoria, was sent off for his Cantona-esque kick at the supporter.

A statement from the Ligue 1 club said: "Jacques-Henri Eyraud, President of Olympique de Marseille, met Patrice Evra today and informed him of his layoff with immediate effect and his summons to an interview prior to a possible disciplinary sanction.

"In addition, the first results of the internal investigation conducted by the club reveal an unacceptable behaviour on the part of a handful of provocateurs who uttered particularly serious hateful attacks against the player, even though the latter and his teammates warmed up for an important meeting.

"As a professional and experienced player, Patrice Evra could not respond in such an inappropriate way.

"The club is continuing its investigation and will use all the legal means at its disposal against individuals who, under the guise of their passion for OM, endanger their reputation by entering the field and insulted a player, instead of supporting him."

Marseille boss Rudi Garcia reacted;

"Pat has experience and he must not react, it's obvious," Garcia was quoted by L'Equipe as telling BeIN Sports.

"Patrice is a more than experienced player and we cannot respond to insults so low and so incredible because they come from one of our supporters."

On the fan, Garcia said: "He is not a supporter of OM, because you cannot insult your own players, you have to be behind everyone."

UEFA have already opened and announced Evra would miss "at least one match", with the organisation's disciplinary body set to discuss his case at its next meeting on November 10.

In 1995, France and Manchester United Star Eric Cantona performed a similar Kung Fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park.

The Frenchman was already an icon at Old Trafford after inspiring them to successive league titles, the first ending a barren run of 26 years, after his arrival from Leeds in November 1992.

This retaliatory act of violence, which he never attempted to defend, merely added to his legend.

The Manchester United legend would go on to serve a nine-month ban for his actions.

Source: www.clubgist.com