Evra charged with violent conduct

Marseille’s Patrice Evra was handed an initial one-match ban by Uefa Friday prior to a disciplinary hearing following his sending-off for launching a karate-style kick at a fan’s head before a Europa League match against Vitoria Guimaraes.

Marseille announced they had opened an inquiry after the 36-year-old full-back was handed a red-card on Thursday following the heated altercation with a group of the French club’s fans on the touchline before kick-off in Portugal.

European football governing body Uefa said Evra was banned for “violent conduct” and indicated that the former French international faced further sanctions at a disciplinary hearing next week.

“Following his dismissal, the player is suspended for at least one match. The Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will decide on this case at its next meeting on 10 November,” Uefa said in a statement

Both Marseille and Guimaraes, who went on the win the tie 1-0, were also charged over their fans invading the pitch.

Announcing their probe, Marseille said in a statement: “No matter what happens, a professional player must maintain self-control despite provocations and insults, no matter how unjustified they may be.”

Evra was confronted by a group of supporters who had managed to get out of an area in the Afonso Henriques ground reserved for around 500 Marseille fans.

Stewards at the ground quickly intervened to break up the trouble, with Evra, who was originally listed as a substitute, ordered to return to the dressing room by the referee.

“Pat has experience, and he must not react, it’s obvious,” said Marseille coach Rudi Garcia whose side lost the game 1-0 and also had Boubacar Kamara sent off three minutes from time.

“Patrice is more than just an experienced pla