Marseille to play Europa League game behind closed doors

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Marseille are no longer at risk of being kicked out of European competition but will have to play their next Europa League game behind closed doors, according to Union of European Football Associations.

Marseille will start their campaign at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on September 20, in an empty Stade Velodrome.

They are also ordered to shut the stands at both ends of their ground for their other two Europa League group games, against Lazio and Apollon Limassol of Cyprus in Group H.

The announcement came after last season's Europa League runners-up had appealed to European football's governing body against a threatened ban from competing in continental competition that was handed down in July.

Marseille fans set off flares in the stand during the final between Olympique de Marseille and Atletico Madrid in Lyon, France, May 16, 2018. /VCG Photo

The French club were sanctioned over incidents of crowd trouble at four matches last season, including the final which they lost 3-0 to Atletico Madrid in Lyon in May.

Offenses included crowd disturbances, acts of damage, the setting off of fireworks, throwing of objects and late kick-off.

In July, UEFA's disciplinary tribunal gave the club a one-year ban from European competition, which was deferred for a probationary period of two years.

In addition to the stadium ban, a fine of 100,000 euros has been maintained, and Marseille have also been ordered to foot the bill for damage caused by their supporters at Lyon's stadium during the final.

(With input from Reuters and AFP)