Patrice Evra took his `love` for the game a bit too far on Thursday night when he reacted badly to receiving abuse from travelling Marseille supporters.

Ahead of his side`s Europa League game against Vitoria Guimaraes, who they lost 1-0 to, Evra lost his cool and kung-fu kicked a fan in the head.

The Frenchman was then escorted away by his teammates and ended up making history by becoming the first player to ever get sent off BEFORE a Europa League game.

According to L`Equipe, the Marseille fans were shouting, "Get out of Marseille," and, "Go back to your videos," at Evra.

We suspect the chants were far worse and more explicit than that, though.

In response to Evra`s inexcusable behaviour, Marseille released a club statement stating the full-back had been suspended. It read:

"Jacques-Henri Eyraud, President of Olympique Marseille, met Patrice Evra today and informed him of his suspension with immediate effect and a summons to an interview prior to a possible disciplinary sanction.

"In addition, the first results of the internal investigation conducted by the club reveal an unacceptable behavior on the part of a handful of provocateurs who uttered particularly serious hateful attacks against the player as the latter and his teammates warmed up for an important match.

"As a professional and experienced player, Patrice Evra should not have responded in such an inappropriate way. The club is continuing its investigation."

Evra`s future at Marseille is under threat and now, three days on from the incident, he`s taken to Instagram for the first time.

In the post below, Evra congratulates his teammates for their resounding 5-0 win over Caen and then thanks the `real` Marseille fans for the support they`ve shown him in recent days.

EVRA`S FIRST POST SINCE KUNG-FU KICK

He wrote: "Great result tonight well done guys I’m really proud of you. Thanks to all [the] real Olympique Marseille fans. I`m receiving so much support from them."

Shots fired. Evra`s reference to the `real` Marseille fans could be related to the negative banners that were held up during the win over Caen.

One banner read: "You thought you were above the institution of Marseille and its supporters. We don`t want you wearing our colours. Evra get out!"

Another one had printed: "Love the shirt, respect the fans, be professional - is it too much to ask?"