PARIS, (BN24) — UEFA has imposed a partial stadium closure on Marseille for their next Champions League home match, issuing the punishment after a series of disruptive incidents involving supporters during the club’s 1-0 defeat to Atalanta earlier this month.
The governing body announced on Saturday that the sanctions resulted from crowd trouble at the November 5 match at the Stade Vélodrome, where home fans set off flares, threw projectiles onto the pitch, and directed laser pointers at players. UEFA said the actions constituted clear violations of its safety and disciplinary regulations, prompting immediate review and enforcement measures.
In addition to the restrictions on attendance, UEFA fined Marseille 71,000 euros. The penalty requires the club to close a section of the south stand for their Champions League fixture against Newcastle on November 25. The affected area typically houses some of the most vocal supporters in the stadium, and its closure is expected to significantly reduce the atmosphere that Marseille relies on in high-pressure European matches. The decision comes at a critical point in the group stage, with the club already navigating a challenging campaign and now facing a diminished home advantage.
UEFA also disciplined Marseille’s goalkeeping coach, Alexandre Salvat, issuing a two-match ban after he was found to have insulted a match official during the Atalanta game. The suspension removes him from the touchline for the next two European matches, limiting his involvement in preparations and in-game management during a crucial period of the competition. The ruling adds to the club’s disciplinary burden at a time when their conduct, both on the field and in the stands, has drawn repeated scrutiny.
The latest sanctions heighten pressure on Marseille as they work to contain supporter behavior that has contributed to multiple disciplinary issues this season. The club now faces the dual challenge of stabilizing performance in European competition while addressing concerns within its fan base to prevent further penalties that could impact both sporting results and the club’s reputation.
