Three Marseille supporters recieve prison sentences for violence

Paris: Three Marseille supporters were handed prison sentences between four and six months over violent incidents during the weekend clash between their side and Lyon.

The three, aged between 18 and 29, may never see the inside of a jail cell, though, as they were released from the Marseille criminal court pending an appearance before the judge of first instance, who may decide to commute their sentences to community service.

They had been charged with armed assault against public authority figures -- they were caught throwing various objects including stones and glasses at police officers -- in the confines of Marseille`s Stade Velodrome before Sunday`s match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

They were also banned from all Marseille matches -- home and away -- for two years, and from any Euro 2016 games.

Two other supporters accused of the same crimes but who asked for more time to prepare their defence, will be judged on October 25, as will another fan accused of setting off a smoke bomb inside the stadium.

After the violent scenes, Marseille decided on Tuesday to put up netting behind the goals at both ends of the Velodrome to prevent objects from being thrown onto the field.

Sunday`s match had to be stopped for 20 minutes as home fans threw objects, including bottles and cups, onto the field with Lyon leading 1-0 at the time.