Pro Sports

Marseille-Galatasaray match halted after rivals fans clash

Posted September 30, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

A flare is fired during the Europa League group E soccer match between Marseille and Galatasaray at the Stade Velodrome stadium in Marseille, France, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole) The Associated Press

MARSEILLE, France (AP) - The Europa League game between Marseille and Galatasaray was interrupted for about 10 minutes after rival fans threw flares and firecrackers at each other at Stade Velodrome on Thursday.

Despite an increased security presence and a buffer zone between around 2,500 visiting fans and Marseille supporters, objects were thrown in both directions late in the first half.

Referee PaweÃ…‚ Raczkowski halted the match as some police then intervened to restore order.

Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim went over to his side's fans to try and calm things down while Marseille captain Dimitri Payet did the same.

The match resumed with about eight minutes left in the first half with the sound of firecrackers still going off.

There were brief clashes between stewards and some Marseille fans early in the second half.

Marseille was recently involved in fan violence during a French league game at Angers.

There was also serious disorder at the Nice-Marseille match last month. It was suspended and will be replayed next month.

In another match this month, fans threw ripped-up seats and tried to fight each other at halftime during the northern derby between Lens and Lille.

Turkish ultras often travel in large numbers. There were fights before the Paris Saint-Germain-Galatasaray game two seasons ago and when Lyon hosted Besiktas four years ago.

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Smoke rises from the stands during the Europa League group E soccer match between Marseille and Galatasaray at the Stade Velodrome stadium in Marseille, France, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole) The Associated Press

Supporters lit flares during the Europa League group E soccer match between Marseille and Galatasaray at the Stade Velodrome stadium in Marseille, France, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole) The Associated Press

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