PSG's Blanc urges sanctions against unruly fans

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has called for severe sanctions after crowd trouble marred Marseille's Ligue 1 clash with Lyon. Sunday's match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was delayed for more than 20 minutes as Marseille fans threw projectiles onto the field.

Reuters/Gustau Nacarino

It's not the first time we've seen this behaviour and strong decisions need to be made to eradicate it, particularly with France hosting next summer's European Championship, Blanc said.

This sentiment was echoed by France's Sports Secretary Thierry Braillard, who called for tougher security checks in stadiums.

"This is unacceptable. Sports should be festive, this is not war," he told French television.

Marseille have pledged to reinstal protective netting in front of the stands at the Stade Velodrome.

The nine-time champions have only managed two wins in their first six games and trail table leaders PSG by seven points.

PSG host Guingamp later Tuesday. They'll be looking for a win after they also drew with Reims on Saturday.

Blanc rejected suggestions that two draws constitutes a crisis, telling reporters he wasn't worried, and that PSG didn't feel under pressure during their matches.

Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has yet to score in Ligue 1 this season, though his injuries mean the Swede has only played two games so far.

PSG sit atop the table by one point, followed by Rennes and St Etienne.