Marseille defender Patrice Evra made Europa League history Thursday, for all the wrong reasons.
The French full-back was issued a straight red card before his side's latest tilt against Vitoria for angrily kicking one of his team's own fans on the sidelines behind the goal during pre-match warm-ups. He becomes the first player in the Europa League to be sent down the tunnels before kick-off.
Video footage of Evra’s kick to a Marseille fan’s face. The speed Evra approached him at suggested something bad was said. pic.twitter.com/IEjViZpZBJ
— Jordan Clarke (@FourFourJordan) November 2, 2017
It's not clear what provoked Evra's violent outburst, though the 36-year-old was the subject of insults from the sidelines, according to The Telegraph.
The incident kicked off the affair on a sour note, with the second-placed Group I outfit looking for all three points over last-placed Vitoria in order to leapfrog FC Salzburg.
Patrice Evra - High Kick moment (Highlights Career) pic.twitter.com/I40JIeQAlX
— Sofiane (@TaconazoFCB) November 2, 2017