Marseille supporters are captured on video breaking past barriers trying to get to the 36-year-old.
Evra was subject to a barrage of abuse as he was warming up.
The supporters were apparently angry at his recent performances for the club.
And the tensions spilled over onto the pitch as the visiting fans knocked over their protective fencing.
Instead of avoiding the confrontation, Evra ran towards them and swung a loose kick towards the head of an onrushing fan.
The France international was sent off for his actions.
Because the ex-United star was listed as a substitute his side were allowed to start the match with 11 men.
It is the first time in the Europa League’s eight-year history that a player has been sent off before kick-off.
The incident brings back memories of ex-United striker Eric Cantona’s infamous kung-fu kick.
The Frenchman jumped into the crowd as the Red Devils faced Crystal Palace in 1995 to kick a supporter in the chest.
The FA banned the United star for nine months and he was also sentenced to two weeks in prison, which was reduced to 120 hours of community service upon appeal.
Evra will now fear further repercussions for his actions.
And the incident has now taken a new turn after Evra was spotted taking selfies with fans in the stands after being dismissed.
However, the Frenchman avoided the away end completely.
Instead, he smiled wiith younger fans in a safer part of the stadium.