On-loan Arsenal ace Matteo Guendouzi has sensationally been accused of lying about the cause of injuries that the midfielder insists occurred when fans stormed onto the pitch during a Ligue 1 match between Marseille and Nice.
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“Apart from the photo that we’ve seen everywhere [of Payet being confronted] there was no violence against OM players,” Rivere said, as reported by L’Equipe.
“By the way – [OM midfielder Matteo] Guendouzi – looking at supporting images, he doesn’t have any marks on his neck when he’s on the pitch.”
Marseille’s director of communications, Jacques Cardoze, hit back at Rivere.
He insisted that the injuries players shared on social media were a result of the chaos.
Guendouzi (No 6) was allegedly hurt during supporter clashes at Nice vs Marseille (Image: GETTY)
“I was with them, they were injured, there were gashes,” Cardoze told RMC.
“We have seen an independent doctor in Marseille, there will be medical certificates which will inform the investigation by the league and the disciplinary committee.”
Marseille president Pablo Longorio insisted that his players were attacked by supporters.
He also clarified that play was not resumed because players and staff from his side felt unsafe.
Longorio added: “We decided for the safety of our players, who were attacked during the pitch invasion, not to resume because the safety of our players was not guaranteed.
“The referee was with us, he confirmed to Jorge Sampaoli and me that safety was not guaranteed and decided to stop the game.”
Guendouzi is on loan with Marseille having fallen out of favour under Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
The French side have an option to buy the player at the end of the season.