Marseille physio who hospitalised Nice fan with a punch ‘faces ban for years’

The Marseille physio who hospitalised a Nice fan with a punch during their chaotic Ligue 1 match could be banned from football for years, according to reports.

There were incredible scenes at the Allianz Riviera on Sunday as supporters stormed the pitch after Dimitri Payet was struck with a bottle, causing the game to be abandoned.

Payet threw the bottle back and was then spotted throwing another container which had missed him earlier back into the crowd before being held back by his team-mates and some Nice players.

By that stage it was too late to calm the situation as dozens of Nice fans made their way down from the stands to confront the former West Ham United midfielder.

In extraordinary scenes captured on video, Marseille physio Pablo Hernandez was seen running up to one of the pitch invaders and punching him in the chest.

Sporting a black T-shirt, shorts and trained and distinguishable by his orange bib, the physio ran up to the fan, who was wearing a white T-shirt, shorts and a black cap.

The supporter, who was looking the other way, was caught completely unawares as the physio ran up to him and sent a powerful punch into his upper chest area.

What punishments do you think should be dished out to Nice and Marseille? Let us know in the comments section.

The intruder fell to the turf straight away as Nice defender Melvin Bard looked on in astonishment.

The Marseille staff member ran away immediately after watching his victim hit the deck, making sure to avoid any retaliation from the dozens of Nice fans who had made their way onto the pitch.

According to Marca, the man was still in hospital on Monday, the following day, and the physio now risks 'severe disciplinary sanction' for his actions, with a lengthy ban considered a real possibility.

Elsewhere, Luan Peres and former Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi were pictured after the match with red strangle holds around their necks.

Order was eventually restored, but Marseille refused to return to the pitch and the game was subsequently abandoned.

Ligue 1 have already dished out one punishment for the disgraceful scenes, ordering Nice's south stand to be closed for the next four games.

Both sides could also be hit with a points deduction.

It is also likely the game will have to replayed – likely behind-closed-doors.

Meanwhile, local authorities in Nice have opened an investigation into the events.

Get your hands on your club's special edition 2021/22 annual. Find out more here.

Source: Read Full Article