Evra banned from UEFA competition until next June, released by Marseille

Marseille defender Patrice Evra has been banned from UEFA club competitions until the end of the 2017-18 season after aiming a kick at one of his club's supporters, the Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body ruled Friday.

Shortly after the decision, Marseille announced the termination of Evra's contract by mutual consent.

In addition to the ban, which will run until June 30, 2018, UEFA's Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body levied a €10,000 fine against the French international.

The incident occurred as Evra's teammates warmed up for a Europa League encounter with Vitoria in Portugal last week. The 36-year-old was red-carded before the match even kicked off.

"Today there is sadness. For Patrice Evra first, who obviously understood all the consequences of his action and who will no longer be able to exercise his passion at Olympique de Marseille," club president Jacques-Henri Eyraud said in a statement translated by the Guardian. "For Marseille fans then, who are stigmatised because of the irresponsible behaviour of a handful of them. For the institution finally, whose reputation is tainted.

"Despite this incident, we are more than ever determined to demonstrate on and off the field that we are driven by the highest individual and collective demands."

Because Evra was only named as a substitute for the fixture, Marseille was permitted to play the 90 minutes with 11 men. Rudi Garcia's side still lost 1-0.

Now that he's been released by Marseille, Evra is allowed to join any interested club on a free transfer. His 18-month contract with the Ligue 1 outfit was to expire on June 30, 2018.