Olympique Marseille have been handed a partial stadium closure and a hefty fine following several incidents involving their supporters during the club’s 1–0 Champions League defeat to Atalanta. The disciplinary measures were confirmed on Saturday, November 15, by UEFA, European football’s governing body.
The sanctions stem from events during the November 5 fixture at the Stade Vélodrome, where sections of the home crowd ignited flares, hurled objects onto the pitch, and used laser pointers on players—actions that breach UEFA’s strict safety and conduct regulations.
In response, UEFA imposed a €71,000 fine on the French club and ordered the closure of part of the south stand for their upcoming home match against Newcastle United on November 25. The restriction is expected to impact hundreds of supporters and weaken Marseille’s home atmosphere during a pivotal group-stage encounter.
The club also faces additional fallout off the pitch as goalkeeping coach Alexandre Salvat has been suspended for two European matches. UEFA found that Salvat verbally abused a match official during the Atalanta game, ruling him out of the team’s next two continental fixtures.
The punishment adds to growing scrutiny over Marseille’s discipline this season. With tensions mounting and their Champions League campaign still in the balance, the club must now work to rein in fan behaviour and avoid further sanctions as the competition progresses.
