Marseille and PAOK fans launch FIREWORKS at each other during Europa Conference League first-leg

Marseille and PAOK fans launch FIREWORKS at each other during Ligue 1 side’s Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory… just HOURS after fighting broke out at the hotel where supporters of Greek side were staying at

  • Marseille’s 2-1 win against PAOK was overshadowed by clashes between fans 
  • Tensions initially began when riot police were called to a hotel away fans were at 
  • French police confirmed around 50 to 60 Greek fans attacked a police vehicle 
  • Clashes continued in stadium, with loud bangs hears inside Orange Velodrome  

Marseille and PAOK fans were seen launching fireworks at each other as part of a hostile atmosphere between the two sets of supporters on Thursday.

Their sides played the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final at the Orange Velodrome, which the French side won 2-1 thanks to a stunning strike from Dimitri Payet.

But the action on the pitch was largely overshadowed by what happened off it, with fans of the Ligue 1 outfit and their Greek counterparts clashing on several occasions, including inside the ground with loud bangs being heard as fireworks were launched.

Marseille and PAOK fans were seen launching fireworks at each other during European clash

Marseille and PAOK fans were seen launching fireworks at each other during European clash

The two sets of fans clashed on several occasions before and during Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg

The two sets of fans clashed on several occasions before and during Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg

Tensions initially began when riot police were called when supporters from both teams clashed outside a hotel where PAOK fans were staying.

There were reports of flares being thrown inside the hotel as ‘hooligans’ stormed the French city, with the the entrance to the building suffering damage.

It was also reported that minor injuries were sustained by some of those in the clash, with 40 fans said to be staying inside the hotel.

Greek outlet Sports DNA meanwhile reported the clash was provoked by Marseille fans, because PAOK’s away supporters were staying at the hotel which was targeted.

It included clashes inside the Orange Velodrome when loud bangs were heard after fireworks were launched

It included clashes inside the Orange Velodrome when loud bangs were heard after fireworks were launched

There were also clashes outside the stadium with riot police tested in the French city

There were also clashes outside the stadium with riot police tested in the French city

Speaking at the time of the clash, Rudy Manna of the French police union told BFM Marseille: ‘There were a few small scuffles which were immediately squashed by the police. 

‘Currently, the supporters are in their hotel and the police are guarding the place. And then we will also have to monitor the groups of supporters who are gradually arriving in the city to attend a football match.’ 

Manna also confirmed between 50 and 60 fans of the Greek club attacked a police vehicle in the French city. 

Then posting on Twitter during the game, Manna said: ‘When mad fans come to Marseille for a football match,’ followed by an angry face. 

‘Full support for injured colleagues. Courage to police working since last night and still a part of the night to maintain a semblance of security. It’s an out of the ordinary job.’

The clashes then continued in the stadium, with both sets of supporters appearing to aim fireworks at each other, with subsequent videos showing deafening explosions and sparks coming from them.

Tensions initially began when riot police were called when supporters from both teams clashed outside a hotel

Tensions initially began when riot police were called when supporters from both teams clashed outside a hotel

Those loud noises could be heard when Payet scored an absolute screamer just before half time, but the game itself was feisty too with six cards dished out to various players – including the sent off Gerson – as the first leg was drawing to a close.

Marseille had a corner and the 35-year-old, who has scored countless screamers in his career, positioned himself some 30 yards away from goal. He was picked out and he lashed an extraordinary effort which rose into the top corner.

It came after Gerson – who would be sent off in stoppage time for two bookable offences – opened the scoring after just 14 minutes, before PAOK star Omar El Kaddouri pulled one back in the second half to set up a fascinating second leg. 

Gerson scored the opener for Marseille but was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow

Gerson scored the opener for Marseille but was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow

source: dailymail.co.uk