Nice president Rivere blames Marseille players for dirty fight

Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere has blamed Marseille players for inciting the awful fight that involved fans on Sunday, even though it was Nice supporters that threw objects at their Marseille players throughout the match.

Rivere said Marseille players reacted too hard after their teammate Dimitri Payet was hit by a bottle near the corner flag. He also accused members of Marseille’s travelling party of violence.

“What catalysed things was the reaction of two Marseille players (Alvaro Gonzalez and Matteo Guendouzi) who met the fans,” said Rivere to RMC.

“It is disappointing that it ends like this. Things are quite clear. … Marseille’s security should not have come onto the pitch and hit our players.

“I don’t really understand why Marseille didn’t restart.”

Marseille players refused to re-emerge from the dressing room for the continuation of the match.

Matteo Guendouzi and Luan Peres were among the players with noticeable marks on their necks left by Nice fans.

Meanwhile, Payet was pictured with a mark on his back, presumably from being hit by the bottle.