Patrice Evra has posted his first social media message since aiming a kick at a Marseille fan.
Evra landed himself in a lot of trouble on Thursday evening, when he was sent-off before his team’s Europa League tie away to Vitoria in Portugal. The former Manchester United defender was due to be a substitute in the match, but became involved in a heated dispute.
Some of the travelling Marseille supporters made their way from the stands to the side of the pitch, after they had reportedly been directing negative chants towards Evra. Video footage shows the defender aiming a kick at one of the fans, who had allegedly insulted him.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOE_UK/status/926193995767836672
According to L’Equipe, the supporter allegedly said to Evra:
“Keep doing your videos, but stop playing football.”
Evra was escorted away by some of his teammates to the dressing room. He has since been suspended by Marseille and now awaits their punishment, as well as a decision from Uefa’s disciplinary committee on November 10.
The 36-year-old may never play for the French club again. His contract expires in the summer, and the Marseille ultras made their feelings patently clear about him on Sunday night.
During Marseille’s 5-0 win over Caen at the Stade Velodrome, some supporters held up a banner that read:
“You thought you were above the institution OM and its supporters. We don’t want you wearing our colours. Evra get out.”
Marseille ultras banner for Evra today: You thought you were bigger than the club & the fans.We don't want you in our colours. F**k off Evra pic.twitter.com/9q9L6DkWCV
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) November 5, 2017
Following the game, the former Juventus defender posted on social media for the first time since Thursday’s incident.
He thanked the “real Marseille fans” for their support – which would suggest that he feels that those who haven’t backed him, and the fans who allegedly insulted him before the Europa League tie, aren’t true supporters.
Evra clearly isn’t backing down.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbIEVwWlFpN/
He wrote:
“Great result, well done guys, I’m really proud of you. Thanks to all the real Olympique Marseille fans… I’m receiving so much support from them.”
Evra still loves this game though, despite a tough few days.