Joey Barton was spotted sitting with Marseille fans as his former team played against Tottenham in the Champions League.
Bristol Rovers manager Barton traveled to White Hart Lane for their European opener but opted not to sit in a company box, heading outside with his son instead .
The former midfielder made a surprise transfer to France for the 2012/13 season, joining Marseille on loan from Queens Park Rangers, making 33 appearances in all competitions.
The Englishman quickly made a name for himself by mocking Paris Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic for having a big nose, and then embarrassed himself as many Brits abroad do.
Barton conducted an interview in English with a French accent, but that didn’t affect his relationship with the Marseille fans, who seemed more than happy to have him away.
Chants of ‘Barton!’ made the rounds, the Rovers boss patting his heart in thanks, before joining in a rendition of “Marseille Go”.
“Thank you to the supporters of Olympique de Marseille,” he wrote on Instagram. “The best. You made my son and I feel welcome. Always in my heart Go OM.
After his spell in League One, Barton returned to QPR in 2013, helping the London side return to the Premier League before leaving for Burnley two years later.
Since retiring from playing in 2017, Barton has moved into the dugout, first with Fleetwood before joining Rovers in 2021 who he led to promotion to League One that season.
On Wednesday night Barton’s former side performed well but Tottenham’s class finally showed as Richarlison’s brace secured them a 2-0 win.
The end of the match, however, was marred by ugly scenes in the stands as groups of Spurs and Marseille supporters were seen clashing.
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