Mason Greenwood's Marseille dealt blow as Roberto De Zerbi slapped with ban after red card against PSG

Greenwood and his teammates had battled fiercely to secure a first home victory over PSG in 14 long years, a result that electrified the city and reignited belief in their project. But while the roar of the Velodrome still echoed, the fallout from De Zerbi’s dismissal quickly stole headlines, casting a shadow over what should have been an unblemished celebration.

France’s LFP Disciplinary Committee wasted little time in reaching a verdict. Their decision was clear: a one-match ban for De Zerbi, with an additional game suspended. The punishment bars him not only from the dugout but also from entering referees’ areas or carrying out official match duties during his enforced absence. The statement read:  "One match suspension and one match suspended from the bench, referees' locker room and all official duties."

Despite the red card, De Zerbi was in no mood to dwell on criticism. Instead, he turned the spotlight firmly on his squad’s display.

"It’s one of the best days since my arrival,” he said after the game. I came here for the Velodrome and to beat PSG, the team that represents power, that has been winning unrivalled for years, which I don't accept in my philosophy. But we haven't done anything so far. The most important thing is Friday in Strasbourg to take another step towards building a great team."

Marseille travel to Strasbourg on Friday, before facing Ajax at home in a huge Champions League clash on September 30. Days later, they head to Metz in Ligue 1. De Zerbi will be back on the bench for the European night against Ajax, but he will miss both domestic fixtures against Strasbourg and Metz, matches that could prove vital in shaping Marseille’s league campaign.