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Patrice Evra's fan kick was unacceptable, says Marseille owner Frank McCourt

Marseille's French defender Patrice Evra (C) leaves the pitch after an incident with Marseille supporters before the start of the UEFA Europa League group
Image: Marseille defender Patrice Evra leaves the pitch after kicking out at a fan

Marseille's American owner Frank McCourt says Patrice Evra's kung-fu kick on a supporter was "unacceptable" but he also pointed the finger at the fans involved.

Evra's future at the French club hangs in the balance after the attack on a fan who he said was abusing Evra before Marseille's Europa League game against Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal last week.

"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.

"It's a very regrettable incident and it is really a pity to see a great player like Patrice pushed to a point where he behaves like that," McCourt said.

Marseille have suspended the 36-year-old former Manchester United and Juventus defender pending a disciplinary hearing.

Olympique de Marseille fans hold a banner reading "You thought you were above the institution OM and its supporters. We don't want you wearing our colours.
Image: Marseille fans made their feelings clear with angry banners aimed at Evra

France coach Didier Deschamps has predicted Evra, the former captain of the national team, will pay a heavy price for the incident, saying it was "something that you just can't do and he knows that".

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Marseille fans made their feelings clear, holding up a giant banner before Sunday's match against Caen saying: "We don't want you in our colours anymore. Evra get lost."

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