Marseille cancel contract with banned full-back Evra

Olympique Marseille on Friday cancelled the contract of full-back Patrice Evra, who has been banned from European games for the rest of the season for kicking a fan.

Evra, named as a substitute for the Europa League match at Vitoria Guimaraes last week, was given a red card after being involved in a pre-game brawl. Pictures showed him kicking a Marseille fan as part of a mass altercation.

European governing body UEFA banned Evra from playing in European games until June 30, 2018, and fined him 10,000 euros (11,700 dollars).

Marseille said the contract of the 36-year-old had been terminated by mutual agreement, effective immediately.

Evra joined Marseille in January having previously enjoyed a glittering career with Manchester United and Juventus. He won the 2008 Champions League with United in addition to five Premier League titles and was a two-time Serie A winner with Juve.

Though his behaviour since joining Marseille had been "exemplary on the field and in the dressing room," the club said his reaction to the provocations of some fans was "irreparable."

Marseille have also been fined 25,000 euros for field invasion by supporters last week, setting off fireworks and acts of damages. They must also pay Vitoria, themselves fined 5,000 euros for field invasion, for damage caused by their fans.