European football governing body UEFA has come down hard on French club Olympique de Marseille following serious fan disturbances during a recent Champions League encounter.
Punishment Announced for Stadium Incidents
On Saturday, November 15, UEFA officially disclosed disciplinary measures against Marseille after their 1-0 home defeat to Italian side Atalanta on November 5. The match at Stade Velodrome witnessed multiple safety violations that prompted the governing body to act.
During the crucial European fixture, home supporters engaged in prohibited activities including igniting flares, throwing objects onto the playing field, and directing laser pointers at players. These actions directly contravened UEFA's strict safety and disciplinary protocols designed to protect players and maintain order.
Specific Sanctions Imposed
The penalties include a substantial financial punishment and restricted stadium access for Marseille's upcoming European assignment. UEFA has fined the club seventy-one thousand euros (€71,000) and mandated the closure of a section within the stadium's south stand.
This partial stadium ban will be enforced during Marseille's next Champions League home game against English Premier League side Newcastle United on November 25. The sanction is expected to significantly reduce the number of home supporters in attendance, potentially diminishing Marseille's home advantage during this critical group stage encounter.
Additional Staff Suspension
Beyond the collective punishment, individual disciplinary action has been taken against club staff. Marseille's goalkeeping coach Alexandre Salvat received a two-match ban for insulting a match official during the Atalanta contest.
This suspension means Salvat will be excluded from the technical area for Marseille's next two European fixtures, depriving the team of his direct pitchside input during important matches.
The UEFA decision increases pressure on a club already navigating disciplinary challenges this season. Marseille must now address both on-field performance and fan behavior to prevent further penalties as their European campaign progresses.
