Marseille captain Steve Mandanda has suggested to beIN SPORTS that he too might have kung-fu kicked an abusive fan like Patrice Evra, telling his former teammate he has no reason to apologise for losing his cool.
Evra's contract with Marseille was terminated earlier this month after he was banned until the end of the season by UEFA having aimed a head-high kick at one of his club's fans ahead of the Europa League tie at Guimaraes. The former France international claimed the supporter had been abusing him during the warm-up.
Mandanda, who has played alongside Evra for both club and country, did not condone the defender's actions, but hinted he too might have reacted in a similarly violent fashion.
"He's not had the chance to talk to the squad, but I know he's going to do it. He told me on the phone and he's counting on coming and saying goodbye. He'll do it," Mandanda said.
"Honestly, he surely has regrets. I put myself in his position, but I don't defend it because you mustn't do that.
"But I'm not certain I would have reacted any differently. We're only human.
"At a certain time, there are reactions, things you don't necessarily control. I don't think he has to apologise for that."
