Marseille have been hit with a partial stadium closure following a series of incidents during their 1–0 home defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League. The punishment was announced on Saturday, November 15, by UEFA, the governing body of European football.
During the November 5 match at the Stade Velodrome, home supporters ignited flares, threw projectiles onto the pitch and directed laser lights toward players, all of which violated UEFA’s safety and disciplinary regulations.
As a consequence, UEFA fined Marseille seventy one thousand euros and ordered the closure of a section of the south stand for their upcoming Champions League fixture against Newcastle on November 25. The sanction is expected to affect a significant number of supporters and reduce the club’s home advantage during what will be a crucial match in the group stage.
In addition to the actions taken against the club, Marseille’s goalkeeping coach Alexandre Salvat has been banned for two matches after he was found to have insulted a match official during the game against Atalanta. The suspension means he will be absent from the touchline for the next two European fixtures.
The decision adds pressure to a club already grappling with disciplinary issues this season. Marseille now face the challenge of responding both on the pitch and within their fan base to avoid further sanctions as their European campaign continues.
