Evra suspended by Marseille after kicking fan

Olympique Marseille have suspended full-back Patrice Evra after he kicked a fan ahead of Thursday's Europa League match with Vitoria Guimaraes.

OM said in a statement late Friday that Evra was informed of the measure in a meeting with club president Jacques-Henri Eyraud.

Evra, named as a substitute for the match, was given a red card after being involved in a pre-game brawl. Pictures on social media appeared to show him kicking a Marseille fan as part of a mass altercation.

"As a professional and experienced player, Patrice Evra should not have responded in such an inappropriate way," OM said.

The club said it is continuing its internal probe and will conduct an interview with the 36-year-old before deciding on possible disciplinary measures.

OM at the same time spoke of "unacceptable behaviour" from the fans and said it would use "all legal means at its disposal against individuals who, under the guise of their passion for OM, endanger their reputation by entering the field and insulting a player, instead of supporting him."

Evra also faces sanctions from the ruling body UEFA for violent conduct and will be suspended for at least one match. His case is to be heard on November 10.