France is voting in crucial mayoral runoff elections, with major contests underway in Paris and Marseille. The outcomes are expected to shape local governance in two of the country’s most prominent cities.

France Votes in Key Mayoral Runoffs in Paris and Marseille | WION

French police on Tuesday killed a man suspected of stabbing five people in the southern port city of Marseille, one of whom is in critical condition, a public prosecutor said.The assailant, a Tunisian national with legal status in France, stabbed several people at a hotel that had just evicted him for non-payment, then attacked several others on a busy shopping street, prosecutor Nicolas Bessone told reporters."It would appear that he blindly and gratuitously attempted to strike people," Bessone said.The man first stabbed his roommate, leaving the victim in critical condition, the prosecutor said.He then attacked the hotel's manager, who fled into the street along with his son, who was stabbed "in the back".While both father and son were seriously hurt, but "their lives are not believed to be in danger", Bessone said.The man then continued what prosecutors called a "criminal rampage" on a crowded street, injuring at least two people in the face with a baton he carried along with two knives.Witnesses said he shouted "religious and incoherent things", a judicial source said, adding that there were no grounds for France's anti-terror unit PNAT to get involved in the case.A police patrol armed with tasers and automatic weapons in the area intervened and ordered him to drop his weapons, but when he refused they "neutralised" him, the prosecutor said.A video published on TikTok by an anonymous user appears to show the man facing four plainclothes police for around 20 seconds before rushing towards them. They then opened fire. Seven shots can be heard on the video.A resident told AFP that police arrived "very quickly" at the scene, and that the man had tried to attack them with a knife. One policeman shouted "stop, stop", the witness said.Another eyewitness told AFP the man was holding "two large butcher knives".The man died despite efforts to resuscitate him.Prosecutors have opened an investigation into attempted murder and attempted murder of police officer.Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is to travel to Marseille on Tuesday evening, with a visit to the city's police headquarters planned, his office said.Police cordoned off the area, close to Marseille's port, and put up a forensic tent in front of a fast-food restaurant.The area is the site of several drug dealing spots, notorious for street consumption of cocaine as well as drug-related crime.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Police cordoned off the area, close to Marseille's port, and put up a forensic tent in front of a fast-food restaurant. The area is the site of several drug dealing spots, notorious for street consumption of cocaine as well as drug-related crime.

French police on Tuesday killed a man suspected of stabbing five people in the southern port city of Marseille, one of whom is in critical condition, a public prosecutor said. The assailant, a Tunisian national with legal status in France, stabbed several people at a hotel that had just evicted him for non-payment, then attacked several others on a busy shopping street, prosecutor Nicolas Bessone told reporters. "It would appear that he blindly and gratuitously attempted to strike people," Bessone said. The man first stabbed his roommate, leaving the victim in critical condition, the prosecutor said. He then attacked the hotel's manager, who fled into the street along with his son, who was stabbed "in the back". While both father and son were seriously hurt, but "their lives are not believed to be in danger", Bessone said. The man then continued what prosecutors called a "criminal rampage" on a crowded street, injuring at least two people in the face with a baton he carried along with two knives. Witnesses said he shouted "religious and incoherent things", a judicial source said, adding that there were no grounds for France's anti-terror unit PNAT to get involved in the case. A police patrol armed with tasers and automatic weapons in the area intervened and ordered him to drop his weapons, but when he refused they "neutralised" him, the prosecutor said. A video published on TikTok by an anonymous user appears to show the man facing four plainclothes police for around 20 seconds before rushing towards them. They then opened fire. Seven shots can be heard on the video. A resident told AFP that police arrived "very quickly" at the scene, and that the man had tried to attack them with a knife. One policeman shouted "stop, stop", the witness said. Another eyewitness told AFP the man was holding "two large butcher knives". The man died despite efforts to resuscitate him. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into attempted murder and attempted murder of police officer. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is to travel to Marseille on Tuesday evening, with a visit to the city's police headquarters planned, his office said. Police cordoned off the area, close to Marseille's port, and put up a forensic tent in front of a fast-food restaurant. The area is the site of several drug dealing spots, notorious for street consumption of cocaine as well as drug-related crime. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Police cordoned off the area, close to Marseille's port, and put up a forensic tent in front of a fast-food restaurant. The area is the site of several drug dealing spots, notorious for street consumption of cocaine as well as drug-related crime.

France: Five injured in Marseille knife attack, suspect shot dead by police

A wildfire in southern France on Tuesday threatened Marseille, the country's second-largest city, forcing its airport to shut down and interrupting railway traffic. Despite all efforts, the fire couldn't be contained, said the European nation's interior minister, Bruno Retailleau. The fire was fanning out due to high wind speeds and parched vegetation after a heatwave, firefighters said, adding that it had spread across a 1,730-acre area.&nbsp;The fire, which started in a vehicle in the area of Pennes-Mirabeau, north of Marseille, sent plumes of acrid smoke billowing into the sky, causing the airport to close its runways shortly after midday. 54 flights had to be cancelled and 14 were redirected. The train traffic was also highly impacted, with more than a dozen trains canceling their trips in and out of the city. The minister said 400 people had been evacuated and 63 houses sustained damage. At least 100 people were injured.&nbsp;Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan warned residents on X that the fire was at the doors of the city. He also cautioned them against crowding the road in a bid to escape the city, to leave the way for rescue and fire services.&nbsp;Retailleau said about 800 firefighters were pressed into fighting the fire that raged on "all night".&nbsp;Mayor Payan said that the firefighter battalion was waging what he described as a "guerrilla warfare, hoses in hand", BBC reported.&nbsp;The peak speed of the spread of the fire is 1.2 km per minute. Wind gusts, dense vegetation, and steep slopes are exacerbating an already delicate situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron, who was on a state visit to the UK, urged residents to follow safety instructions&nbsp;&nbsp;Julien Coffinier, the airport's president, said he had "never experienced a situation of this magnitude".&nbsp;A resident of the city described the fire as "very striking and apocalyptic".&nbsp;Meanwhile, another wildfire, fanning out with a speed of 60 km per hour, has destroyed 2000 hectares in Narbonne. More than 1,000 firefighters from around the country were seeking to contain it.

A wildfire in southern France on Tuesday threatened Marseille, the country's second-largest city, forcing the airport to shut down and interrupting railway traffic. 

A wildfire in southern France on Tuesday threatened Marseille, the country's second-largest city, forcing its airport to shut down and interrupting railway traffic. Despite all efforts, the fire couldn't be contained, said the European nation's interior minister, Bruno Retailleau. The fire was fanning out due to high wind speeds and parched vegetation after a heatwave, firefighters said, adding that it had spread across a 1,730-acre area. The fire, which started in a vehicle in the area of Pennes-Mirabeau, north of Marseille, sent plumes of acrid smoke billowing into the sky, causing the airport to close its runways shortly after midday. 54 flights had to be cancelled and 14 were redirected. The train traffic was also highly impacted, with more than a dozen trains canceling their trips in and out of the city. The minister said 400 people had been evacuated and 63 houses sustained damage. At least 100 people were injured. Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan warned residents on X that the fire was at the doors of the city. He also cautioned them against crowding the road in a bid to escape the city, to leave the way for rescue and fire services. Retailleau said about 800 firefighters were pressed into fighting the fire that raged on "all night". Mayor Payan said that the firefighter battalion was waging what he described as a "guerrilla warfare, hoses in hand", BBC reported. The peak speed of the spread of the fire is 1.2 km per minute. Wind gusts, dense vegetation, and steep slopes are exacerbating an already delicate situation. French President Emmanuel Macron, who was on a state visit to the UK, urged residents to follow safety instructions Julien Coffinier, the airport's president, said he had "never experienced a situation of this magnitude". A resident of the city described the fire as "very striking and apocalyptic". Meanwhile, another wildfire, fanning out with a speed of 60 km per hour, has destroyed 2000 hectares in Narbonne. More than 1,000 firefighters from around the country were seeking to contain it.

Marseille wildfire: The fire, which started in a vehicle in the area of Pennes-Mirabeau, north of Marseille, sent plumes of acrid smoke billowing into the sky.

France wildfire spreading at 1.2 km per minute, endangers Marseille: 'Apocalyptic...guerrilla warfare'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Feb 12) visited the historic Mazargues Cemetery in Marseille with French President Emmanuel Macron and paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II as many of those soldiers were cremated there.&nbsp;
It is Modi's third and final day of his France visit, following which, he will depart for the United States to meet with President Donald Trump.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-remembers-veer-savarkars-courageous-escape-attempt-from-british-marseille-8714022">In Marseille, PM Modi remembers Veer Savarkar's courageous escape attempt from British in the French city</a>
PM Modi noted Veer Savarkar's attempt of "courageous escape" in Marseille, he posted on X, "In India's quest for freedom, this city holds special significance. It was here that the great Veer Savarkar attempted a courageous escape. I also want to thank the people of Marseille and the French activists of that time who demanded that he not be handed over to British custody. The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!".
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At Mazargues War Cemetery, President <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> and I paid homage to the soldiers who fought in the World Wars. This includes several Indian soldiers who valiantly fought and displayed utmost grit. All the brave soldiers answered the call of duty and fought with&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/p0tJ3646qi">pic.twitter.com/p0tJ3646qi</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1889622229614469529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
Savarkar attempted to escape in July, 1910 from HMS Morea by slipping through a porthole and swimming ashore. However, he was captured by French authorities and handed back to officials.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-developing-its-own-ai-language-model-inspired-by-nations-diversity-pm-narendra-modi-at-ai-action-summit-in-paris-8713252">India developing its own AI Language Model inspired by nation's diversity: PM Modi at AI Action Summit in Paris</a>
<h2>PM Modi inaugurates consulate in Marseille&nbsp;</h2>
PM Modi and French President Macron jointly inaugurated India's new consulate in Marseille, giving a new direction to the Indo-French relations.&nbsp;
"This Consulate will serve as a vital bridge to strengthen our cultural, economic and human ties," PM Modi said in a post on X.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Un moment historique &agrave; Marseille ! Le Pr&eacute;sident <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> et moi avons inaugur&eacute; le Consulat indien dans cette ville dynamique, marquant ainsi un nouveau chapitre des relations entre l&rsquo;Inde et la France. Ce consulat servira de pont essentiel pour renforcer nos liens&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/JDbaBknEPo">pic.twitter.com/JDbaBknEPo</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1889623708995899519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
The two leaders also greeted the Indian community in France who were present to witness the inauguration of the Indian consulate in Marseille.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sundar-pichai-delighted-to-meet-pm-modi-at-paris-ceo-forum-discusses-opportunities-ai-will-bring-to-india-8712768">Sundar Pichai &lsquo;delighted&rsquo; to meet PM Modi at Paris CEO Forum</a>
"I will say thank you to sir (PM Modi) for representing India on the international level. It is the first consulate in France after the embassy in Paris. This will help the Indian community grow," Anup Gupta, a member of the Indian community who has been living in Marseille for the last 4 years, told ANI.&nbsp;
The PM Modi's office in a statement said that the two leaders reaffirm &nbsp;strong commitment to India-France Strategic Partnership.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modis-plane-under-terror-threat-mumbai-police-receives-terror-alert-ahead-of-us-visit-8713102">PM Modi's plane under threat? Mumbai police receive terror alert ahead&nbsp;of&nbsp;US&nbsp;visit: Report</a>
"PM Modi, Macron review cooperation in strategic areas of defence, civil nuclear energy and space. PM Modi and French President Macron discuss ways to strengthen collaboration in fields of technology, and innovation," the statement read.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: It is Modi's third and final day of his France visit, following which, he will depart for the United States to meet with President Donald Trump. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Feb 12) visited the historic Mazargues Cemetery in Marseille with French President Emmanuel Macron and paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II as many of those soldiers were cremated there. It is Modi's third and final day of his France visit, following which, he will depart for the United States to meet with President Donald Trump. Also read: In Marseille, PM Modi remembers Veer Savarkar's courageous escape attempt from British in the French city PM Modi noted Veer Savarkar's attempt of "courageous escape" in Marseille, he posted on X, "In India's quest for freedom, this city holds special significance. It was here that the great Veer Savarkar attempted a courageous escape. I also want to thank the people of Marseille and the French activists of that time who demanded that he not be handed over to British custody. The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!". At Mazargues War Cemetery, President @EmmanuelMacron and I paid homage to the soldiers who fought in the World Wars. This includes several Indian soldiers who valiantly fought and displayed utmost grit. All the brave soldiers answered the call of duty and fought with… pic.twitter.com/p0tJ3646qi — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2025 Savarkar attempted to escape in July, 1910 from HMS Morea by slipping through a porthole and swimming ashore. However, he was captured by French authorities and handed back to officials. Also read: India developing its own AI Language Model inspired by nation's diversity: PM Modi at AI Action Summit in Paris PM Modi inaugurates consulate in Marseille PM Modi and French President Macron jointly inaugurated India's new consulate in Marseille, giving a new direction to the Indo-French relations. "This Consulate will serve as a vital bridge to strengthen our cultural, economic and human ties," PM Modi said in a post on X. Un moment historique à Marseille ! Le Président @EmmanuelMacron et moi avons inauguré le Consulat indien dans cette ville dynamique, marquant ainsi un nouveau chapitre des relations entre l’Inde et la France. Ce consulat servira de pont essentiel pour renforcer nos liens… pic.twitter.com/JDbaBknEPo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2025 The two leaders also greeted the Indian community in France who were present to witness the inauguration of the Indian consulate in Marseille. Also read: Sundar Pichai ‘delighted’ to meet PM Modi at Paris CEO Forum "I will say thank you to sir (PM Modi) for representing India on the international level. It is the first consulate in France after the embassy in Paris. This will help the Indian community grow," Anup Gupta, a member of the Indian community who has been living in Marseille for the last 4 years, told ANI. The PM Modi's office in a statement said that the two leaders reaffirm strong commitment to India-France Strategic Partnership. Also read: PM Modi's plane under threat? Mumbai police receive terror alert ahead of US visit: Report "PM Modi, Macron review cooperation in strategic areas of defence, civil nuclear energy and space. PM Modi and French President Macron discuss ways to strengthen collaboration in fields of technology, and innovation," the statement read. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi in Marseille: Inaugurates Indian consulate, pays tribute to Indian soldiers killed in World Wars

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will jointly inaugurate the Indian consulate in Marseille on 12th February during the former&rsquo;s France visit next week. The announcement that India will open the consulate in Marseille, a city in the south of France, on the Mediterranean coast was made during PM Modi&rsquo;s visit to France in 2023.
PM Modi, during his address to the Indian community in La Seine Musicale in 2023, made the announcement of India opening the consulate in Marseille, saying it will strengthen Indo-French ties. Overall, the consulate will cater to the growing Indian diaspora in southern France, in places like Marseille city itself, Toulouse, and the Rh&ocirc;ne-Alpes region. Opening of the consulate, India&rsquo;s second diplomatic mission after the embassy in France, will help in accessible consular services, including reducing the need for long journeys to Paris for them.
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During their visit to Marseille, both the leaders are expected to meet stakeholders from the Port of Marseille and other sectors. Marseille&rsquo;s port, the Port of Marseille-Fos, is the largest port in France and one of the largest in the Mediterranean. It handles a significant portion of France&rsquo;s import and export activities, serving as a gateway for goods moving between Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The port manages various types of cargo, including oil, containers, bulk goods, and cruise ships. The oil terminal at Fos-sur-Mer is particularly vital for the importation of petroleum products for France and neighboring countries.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-wants-ukraine-to-repay-us-aid-with-rare-earths-what-are-rare-earth-elements-8689845" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump wants Ukraine to repay US aid with 'rare earths': What are they and why does he want them?</a>
Modi and Macron will also visit the Mazargues Cemetery to pay homage to the Indian soldiers who fought in World War I and have been commemorated at the location.&nbsp; Approximately 900 plus Indians from WWI are commemorated here, making it one of the largest concentrations of Indian war graves in France. Notably, Marseilles was the base of the Indian troops in France during World War 1, and an Indian Memorial to honour the fallen Indian soldiers was unveiled by Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood in July 1925.&nbsp; PM Modi had also visited Neuve-Chapelle Memorial in Lille in 2015 and paid homage to the 10,000 Indian soldiers who had died in World War I.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-elon-musk-usaid-staff-told-to-work-remotely-us-news-8687844" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: &lsquo;Won&rsquo;t allow insubordination&rsquo;: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director</a>
Both the leaders are expected to travel to ITER (the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in Saint-Paul-l&egrave;s-Durance. ITER aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a clean green source of unlimited energy. India is a partner in this major global collaboration to master fusion energy technology and has officially joined the project in 2005, becoming the seventh partner. India has contributed to its critical parts like cryostats, cooling water systems, and cryolines.
The Indian Prime Minister will be in France next week to attend the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris that will take place on February 10th and 11th. The summit aims to facilitate discussions on AI with significant global powers and focus on global AI governance.&nbsp; During the visit, there is a likelihood of the announcement or confirmation of two significant defence deals between India and France worth billions of dollars, which include the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy&rsquo;s aircraft carriers and three additional Scorpene-class submarines.

World | India News: Both the leaders are expected to travel to ITER (the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance. ITER aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a clean green source of unlimited energy.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will jointly inaugurate the Indian consulate in Marseille on 12th February during the former’s France visit next week. The announcement that India will open the consulate in Marseille, a city in the south of France, on the Mediterranean coast was made during PM Modi’s visit to France in 2023. PM Modi, during his address to the Indian community in La Seine Musicale in 2023, made the announcement of India opening the consulate in Marseille, saying it will strengthen Indo-French ties. Overall, the consulate will cater to the growing Indian diaspora in southern France, in places like Marseille city itself, Toulouse, and the Rhône-Alpes region. Opening of the consulate, India’s second diplomatic mission after the embassy in France, will help in accessible consular services, including reducing the need for long journeys to Paris for them. Also Read | ‘Can’t and won’t do anything without approval’: Trump hints at leash on Musk as DOGE ramps up government purge During their visit to Marseille, both the leaders are expected to meet stakeholders from the Port of Marseille and other sectors. Marseille’s port, the Port of Marseille-Fos, is the largest port in France and one of the largest in the Mediterranean. It handles a significant portion of France’s import and export activities, serving as a gateway for goods moving between Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The port manages various types of cargo, including oil, containers, bulk goods, and cruise ships. The oil terminal at Fos-sur-Mer is particularly vital for the importation of petroleum products for France and neighboring countries. Also read: Trump wants Ukraine to repay US aid with 'rare earths': What are they and why does he want them? Modi and Macron will also visit the Mazargues Cemetery to pay homage to the Indian soldiers who fought in World War I and have been commemorated at the location. Approximately 900 plus Indians from WWI are commemorated here, making it one of the largest concentrations of Indian war graves in France. Notably, Marseilles was the base of the Indian troops in France during World War 1, and an Indian Memorial to honour the fallen Indian soldiers was unveiled by Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood in July 1925. PM Modi had also visited Neuve-Chapelle Memorial in Lille in 2015 and paid homage to the 10,000 Indian soldiers who had died in World War I. Also read: ‘Won’t allow insubordination’: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director Both the leaders are expected to travel to ITER (the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance. ITER aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a clean green source of unlimited energy. India is a partner in this major global collaboration to master fusion energy technology and has officially joined the project in 2005, becoming the seventh partner. India has contributed to its critical parts like cryostats, cooling water systems, and cryolines. The Indian Prime Minister will be in France next week to attend the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris that will take place on February 10th and 11th. The summit aims to facilitate discussions on AI with significant global powers and focus on global AI governance. During the visit, there is a likelihood of the announcement or confirmation of two significant defence deals between India and France worth billions of dollars, which include the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers and three additional Scorpene-class submarines.

PM Modi, French President Macron to jointly inaugurate Indian consulate in Marseille

Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, Matteo Ruggeri and El Bilal Toure all got on the scoresheet to send the Italians to their first Europa League final with a 3-0 win over Olympique de Marseille for a 4-1 aggregate victory on Thursday. The Italians will meet Bayer Leverkusen, who overcame AS Roma, in their first European final in Dublin on May 22. Lookman put Atalanta ahead in the semi-final second leg on the half-hour with a long-range strike past Pao Lopez before setting up Ruggeri to net seven minutes after the break.

Atalanta's repeated attacks, with Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta threatening, overwhelmed the visitors, who had few chances, and substitute Toure put the nail in Marseille's coffin with their third four minutes into added time. "My first goal in Bergamo is a very big emotion," Ruggeri told SkySports Italia. "Now we can dream with our eyes open that we're in the final. It's a moment to celebrate with our people."

Atalanta are aiming for a trophy double as they also face Juventus in the Italian Cup final on Wednesday, with their 1963 Coppa Italia triumph being their only major silverware.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/champions-league-final-real-madrids-aurelien-tchouameni-faces-race-against-time-to-be-fit-for-summit-clash-719845">Champions League Final: Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni faces race against time to be fit for summit clash</a>

Regarding the Europa League, coach Gian Piero Gasperini told a press conference: "It will be a historic occasion for a team like ours who don't have the numbers (of fans) to win. It's really incredible but it bodes well for everyone.

"Numbers seem to be important, it seems that you have to have Super Leagues, but the example of Atalanta can give hope. Football is beautiful because of meritocracy, not because of acquired rights," he added.

Atalanta are fifth in Serie A and also have their sights set on a Champions League qualifying spot via the domestic league. They face a showdown at home to sixth-placed Roma on Sunday.

Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, Matteo Ruggeri and El Bilal Toure all got on the scoresheet to send the Italians to their first Europa League final with a 3-0 win over Olympique de Marseille for a 4-1 aggregate victory on Thursday.

Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, Matteo Ruggeri and El Bilal Toure all got on the scoresheet to send the Italians to their first Europa League final with a 3-0 win over Olympique de Marseille for a 4-1 aggregate victory on Thursday. The Italians will meet Bayer Leverkusen, who overcame AS Roma, in their first European final in Dublin on May 22. Lookman put Atalanta ahead in the semi-final second leg on the half-hour with a long-range strike past Pao Lopez before setting up Ruggeri to net seven minutes after the break. Atalanta's repeated attacks, with Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta threatening, overwhelmed the visitors, who had few chances, and substitute Toure put the nail in Marseille's coffin with their third four minutes into added time. "My first goal in Bergamo is a very big emotion," Ruggeri told SkySports Italia. "Now we can dream with our eyes open that we're in the final. It's a moment to celebrate with our people." Atalanta are aiming for a trophy double as they also face Juventus in the Italian Cup final on Wednesday, with their 1963 Coppa Italia triumph being their only major silverware. Also read: Champions League Final: Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni faces race against time to be fit for summit clash Regarding the Europa League, coach Gian Piero Gasperini told a press conference: "It will be a historic occasion for a team like ours who don't have the numbers (of fans) to win. It's really incredible but it bodes well for everyone. "Numbers seem to be important, it seems that you have to have Super Leagues, but the example of Atalanta can give hope. Football is beautiful because of meritocracy, not because of acquired rights," he added. Atalanta are fifth in Serie A and also have their sights set on a Champions League qualifying spot via the domestic league. They face a showdown at home to sixth-placed Roma on Sunday.

Clinical Atalanta thrash Marseille 3-0 to reach Europa League final

AC Milan overcame a spirited Rennes 5-3 on aggregate despite a 3-2 loss in Thursday's play-off round second leg to reach the Europa League last 16, where they will be joined by fellow former European champions Benfica and Marseille. Benjamin Bourigeaud scored a hat-trick for Rennes, including a pair of penalties, but goals from Luka Jovic and Rafael Leao ensured Milan were never really in danger of blowing a 3-0 lead from the first leg.

Benfica also saw off French opposition as a 0-0 draw away to Toulouse was enough to send the Portuguese side through following their 2-1 victory in last week's first leg in Lisbon. Lens, who dropped down from the Champions League into the knockout play-off round, became the third French club to go out after Freiburg fought back from two goals down to win 3-2 after extra time.

David Pereira da Costa and Elye Wahi put Lens in control of the tie following a goalless opening leg, but Roland Sallai struck twice to force extra time in Germany. Michael Gregoritsch grabbed the winner in the 99th minute for Freiburg. Marseille kept French interest in the competition alive as they came from behind to beat Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3 on aggregate after a 3-1 victory at the Velodrome.&nbsp;

Georgiy Sudakov stroked home a penalty early in Marseille before the hosts replied via Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's record-setting 31st Europa League goal.

Ismaila Sarr fired Marseille ahead on 74 minutes and Geoffrey Kondogbia added a late third on Jean-Louis Gasset's debut as coach after the departure of Gennaro Gattuso.&nbsp; Last season's runners-up Roma edged Feyenoord 4-2 on penalties in the Italian capital after 1-1 draws in both legs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-nothing-new-to-say-xabi-alonso-avoids-speaking-on-bayern-munich-liverpool-links-692875">'I have nothing new to say': Xabi Alonso avoids speaking on Bayern Munich, Liverpool links</a>

<h2>- Thriller in Azerbaijan -</h2>

Qarabag, 4-2 winners last week away to Braga, blew a two-goal advantage after being reduced to 10 men as their Portuguese opponents took the tie to extra time in Baku.&nbsp; The Azerbaijani team went back in front through Matheus Silva but it looked destined for penalties when Simon Banza's penalty made it 3-1 on the night to Braga.

Nariman Akhundzade sent Qarabag into the next round though with a goal in the 122nd minute. Sporting progressed 4-2 on aggregate despite a 1-1 draw at home to Swiss champions Young Boys.

Sparta Prague overturned a 3-2 first-leg deficit by scoring three times after Galatasaray's Kaan Ayhan saw red to win the return fixture 4-1 at home. Ajax scraped past Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt after extra time to reach the Europa Conference League last 16.

After a 2-2 draw in Amsterdam, the Dutch giants went ahead when Steven Berghuis struck in the first half of the second leg. But they had centre-back Josip Sutalo sent off early in the second half and Patrick Berg's equaliser took it into extra time, with Kenneth Taylor's 114th-minute effort putting Ajax through 4-3 on aggregate.

Dinamo Zagreb knocked out Real Betis 2-1 on aggregate and Union Saint-Gilloise of Belgium took down 2022 Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt 4-3 over two legs.

Olympiakos also moved on along with Swiss side Servette, Norwegians Molde and Austria's Sturm Graz. Maccabi Haifa were the first team through after defeating Gent 2-1 on aggregate, with the second leg in Belgium on Wednesday played behind closed doors because of fears of riots linked to the Israel-Hamas war.

The draws for the last 16 of both competitions will be made at UEFA headquarters in Nyon on Friday.

AC Milan overcame a spirited Rennes 5-3 on aggregate despite a 3-2 loss in Thursday's play-off round second leg to reach the Europa League last 16, where they will be joined by fellow former European champions Benfica and Marseille.

AC Milan overcame a spirited Rennes 5-3 on aggregate despite a 3-2 loss in Thursday's play-off round second leg to reach the Europa League last 16, where they will be joined by fellow former European champions Benfica and Marseille. Benjamin Bourigeaud scored a hat-trick for Rennes, including a pair of penalties, but goals from Luka Jovic and Rafael Leao ensured Milan were never really in danger of blowing a 3-0 lead from the first leg. Benfica also saw off French opposition as a 0-0 draw away to Toulouse was enough to send the Portuguese side through following their 2-1 victory in last week's first leg in Lisbon. Lens, who dropped down from the Champions League into the knockout play-off round, became the third French club to go out after Freiburg fought back from two goals down to win 3-2 after extra time. David Pereira da Costa and Elye Wahi put Lens in control of the tie following a goalless opening leg, but Roland Sallai struck twice to force extra time in Germany. Michael Gregoritsch grabbed the winner in the 99th minute for Freiburg. Marseille kept French interest in the competition alive as they came from behind to beat Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3 on aggregate after a 3-1 victory at the Velodrome. Georgiy Sudakov stroked home a penalty early in Marseille before the hosts replied via Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's record-setting 31st Europa League goal. Ismaila Sarr fired Marseille ahead on 74 minutes and Geoffrey Kondogbia added a late third on Jean-Louis Gasset's debut as coach after the departure of Gennaro Gattuso. Last season's runners-up Roma edged Feyenoord 4-2 on penalties in the Italian capital after 1-1 draws in both legs. Also read: 'I have nothing new to say': Xabi Alonso avoids speaking on Bayern Munich, Liverpool links - Thriller in Azerbaijan - Qarabag, 4-2 winners last week away to Braga, blew a two-goal advantage after being reduced to 10 men as their Portuguese opponents took the tie to extra time in Baku. The Azerbaijani team went back in front through Matheus Silva but it looked destined for penalties when Simon Banza's penalty made it 3-1 on the night to Braga. Nariman Akhundzade sent Qarabag into the next round though with a goal in the 122nd minute. Sporting progressed 4-2 on aggregate despite a 1-1 draw at home to Swiss champions Young Boys. Sparta Prague overturned a 3-2 first-leg deficit by scoring three times after Galatasaray's Kaan Ayhan saw red to win the return fixture 4-1 at home. Ajax scraped past Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt after extra time to reach the Europa Conference League last 16. After a 2-2 draw in Amsterdam, the Dutch giants went ahead when Steven Berghuis struck in the first half of the second leg. But they had centre-back Josip Sutalo sent off early in the second half and Patrick Berg's equaliser took it into extra time, with Kenneth Taylor's 114th-minute effort putting Ajax through 4-3 on aggregate. Dinamo Zagreb knocked out Real Betis 2-1 on aggregate and Union Saint-Gilloise of Belgium took down 2022 Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt 4-3 over two legs. Olympiakos also moved on along with Swiss side Servette, Norwegians Molde and Austria's Sturm Graz. Maccabi Haifa were the first team through after defeating Gent 2-1 on aggregate, with the second leg in Belgium on Wednesday played behind closed doors because of fears of riots linked to the Israel-Hamas war. The draws for the last 16 of both competitions will be made at UEFA headquarters in Nyon on Friday.

AC Milan, Benfica and Marseille reach Europa League last 16

After beginning the professional era as a team of nomads, Argentina had finally found a home for their players until the Covid pandemic scattered them to the four corners of the planet. The great Argentina team that reached the semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup in France was led by the likes of Leinster fly-half Felipe Contempomi, Sale Sharks flanker Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Stade Francais half-backs Agustin Pichot and Juan Martin "El Mago" Hernandez.

If Argentina manage to repeat that feat by beating Wales in Saturday's quarter-final in Marseille, the country's new heroes will again be a band of exiles.

Back in 2007, Argentine players needed to find foreign clubs to play professionally, until the creation of the Jaguares Super&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;franchise in 2016. It was a seminal moment in Argentine&nbsp;rugby.

The Buenos Aires-based team gave players the opportunity to stay at home while still paying top-level club&nbsp;rugby. Already competing in the southern hemisphere&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;Championship since 2012, Argentina's players could now also face the best of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa at club level.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/serie-a-inter-milan-send-warning-across-league-with-win-over-napoli-665891">Serie A: Inter Milan send warning across league with win over Napoli</a>

Playing all year round together for club and country, Argentine&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;quickly progressed. The Jaguares reached the Super&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;final in 2019, in just their fourth season, losing 19-3 to the all-conquering New Zealander Crusaders. But Covid pulled the rug from under the Jaguares as the 2020 Super&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;season was abandoned and the teams from Australia and New Zealand created new domestic-based competitions and the South Africans joined Europe's United&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;Championship.

Argentina's best players were once again forced to wander the earth.

"Our lives changed completely with Covid," said Juan Cruz Mallia, who has managed to land on his feet at French powerhouse Toulouse. After winning the Top 14 title twice and the European Champions Cup, utility back Mallia has signed a new contract until 2026. But he would no doubt still be playing for the Jaguares if it were not for Covid.

"They disappeared so we had to start looking for a new club to play professional&nbsp;rugby," added Mallia.

"Now we are all over the world playing in different clubs."

<h2>- 'Competition is everything' -</h2>

Deprived of the revenue from Super&nbsp;Rugby, or indeed any competition, the Argentine federation could not afford to maintain a fully professional team. Players like veteran hooker Agustin Creevy had left Worcester Warriors in England to join the Jaguares. Four years later he was back in England to join London Irish.&nbsp;

Former international flanker Leonardo Senatore says the loss of the Jaguares was "a big step back for&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;in Argentina". "It was a big change for our&nbsp;rugby. And we have seen that it has affected a lot the way we play because we don't have so much time together to put the pieces together," Senatore told AFP.

There was no immediate decline, though.

In 2020, just months after the Super&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;season was abandoned, Argentina beat New Zealand for the first time before stunning the All Blacks on home soil two years later.

But under Australian Michael Cheika, the Pumas made a poor start to this World Cup, easily beaten 27-10 by 14-man England. That left Argentina with two must-win games against Samoa and Japan. Win they did, but not without a mighty struggle. And reaching the quarter-finals is always an absolute minimum requirement for Argentina.

If Argentine&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;is to grow once again, Senatore believes the new Super&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;Americas competition is where that future development lies. It brings together teams from Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Brazil and the United States, alongside the Cordoba-based Dogos XV and Pampas from Buenos Aires.

Both Argentine sides are made up largely of young prospects.

"Competition is everything. If you train, train, train but don't compete with the best, you will never improve," said Senatore.

"It will take more time. It is the hard way to do it. "But I think in the future, it will be great if South America or America achieve what they want, which is to improve the competition for everyone.

"It will also be really good for world&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;'cause we need more competition in the South."

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After beginning the professional era as a team of nomads, Argentina had finally found a home for their players until the Covid pandemic scattered them to the four corners of the planet.

After beginning the professional era as a team of nomads, Argentina had finally found a home for their players until the Covid pandemic scattered them to the four corners of the planet. The great Argentina team that reached the semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup in France was led by the likes of Leinster fly-half Felipe Contempomi, Sale Sharks flanker Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Stade Francais half-backs Agustin Pichot and Juan Martin "El Mago" Hernandez. If Argentina manage to repeat that feat by beating Wales in Saturday's quarter-final in Marseille, the country's new heroes will again be a band of exiles. Back in 2007, Argentine players needed to find foreign clubs to play professionally, until the creation of the Jaguares Super Rugby franchise in 2016. It was a seminal moment in Argentine rugby. The Buenos Aires-based team gave players the opportunity to stay at home while still paying top-level club rugby. Already competing in the southern hemisphere Rugby Championship since 2012, Argentina's players could now also face the best of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa at club level. Also Read: Serie A: Inter Milan send warning across league with win over Napoli Playing all year round together for club and country, Argentine rugby quickly progressed. The Jaguares reached the Super Rugby final in 2019, in just their fourth season, losing 19-3 to the all-conquering New Zealander Crusaders. But Covid pulled the rug from under the Jaguares as the 2020 Super Rugby season was abandoned and the teams from Australia and New Zealand created new domestic-based competitions and the South Africans joined Europe's United Rugby Championship. Argentina's best players were once again forced to wander the earth. "Our lives changed completely with Covid," said Juan Cruz Mallia, who has managed to land on his feet at French powerhouse Toulouse. After winning the Top 14 title twice and the European Champions Cup, utility back Mallia has signed a new contract until 2026. But he would no doubt still be playing for the Jaguares if it were not for Covid. "They disappeared so we had to start looking for a new club to play professional rugby," added Mallia. "Now we are all over the world playing in different clubs." - 'Competition is everything' - Deprived of the revenue from Super Rugby, or indeed any competition, the Argentine federation could not afford to maintain a fully professional team. Players like veteran hooker Agustin Creevy had left Worcester Warriors in England to join the Jaguares. Four years later he was back in England to join London Irish. Former international flanker Leonardo Senatore says the loss of the Jaguares was "a big step back for rugby in Argentina". "It was a big change for our rugby. And we have seen that it has affected a lot the way we play because we don't have so much time together to put the pieces together," Senatore told AFP. There was no immediate decline, though. In 2020, just months after the Super Rugby season was abandoned, Argentina beat New Zealand for the first time before stunning the All Blacks on home soil two years later. But under Australian Michael Cheika, the Pumas made a poor start to this World Cup, easily beaten 27-10 by 14-man England. That left Argentina with two must-win games against Samoa and Japan. Win they did, but not without a mighty struggle. And reaching the quarter-finals is always an absolute minimum requirement for Argentina. If Argentine rugby is to grow once again, Senatore believes the new Super Rugby Americas competition is where that future development lies. It brings together teams from Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Brazil and the United States, alongside the Cordoba-based Dogos XV and Pampas from Buenos Aires. Both Argentine sides are made up largely of young prospects. "Competition is everything. If you train, train, train but don't compete with the best, you will never improve," said Senatore. "It will take more time. It is the hard way to do it. "But I think in the future, it will be great if South America or America achieve what they want, which is to improve the competition for everyone. "It will also be really good for world rugby 'cause we need more competition in the South." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby: Loss of Jaguares franchise was 'big step back' for Argentina, says Leonardo Senatore

Cody Gakpo's double fired Liverpool into the Europa League last 16 as they routed LASK 4-0, while Brighton advanced to the knockout round with a 1-0 win at AEK Athens on Thursday (Nov 30).

Cody Gakpo's double fired Liverpool into the Europa League last 16 as they routed LASK 4-0, while Brighton advanced to the knockout round with a 1-0 win at AEK Athens on Thursday (Nov 30). Jurgen Klopp's side sealed top spot in Group E thanks to Gakpo's brace and goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah at Anfield. Second-placed Toulouse's 0-0 draw against Union Saint-Gilloise in the other group game means Klopp can rest players for his team's last remaining pool stage fixture. Europa League group winners go through to the last 16 automatically, while the runners-up play in a two-legged knockout round play-off in February against a team who finish third in a Champions League group. Klopp made nine changes from the side which drew with Premier League champions Manchester City last Saturday, with Salah and Kostas Tsimikas the only players to keep their places. Rising to meet Joe Gomez's cross, Diaz netted his first goal at Anfield since August as his header raced past LASK keeper Tobias Lawal in the 12th minute. Having opened the scoring, Diaz helped set up Liverpool's second three minutes later when he picked out Salah, who teed up Gakpo to net from close range. Salah killed off the out-classed Austrians in the 51st minute, stroking home a penalty for his 13th goal this season after Gakpo was fouled by Lawal. Dutch forward Gakpo capped the demolition with a fierce strike in stoppage time. Unlike Liverpool's rich history in continental competition, Brighton are competing in Europe for the first time and the Seagulls' adventure will continue into the New Year thanks to Joao Pedro's winner in Greece. Damian Szymanski fouled Joao Pedro in the 55th minute and the Brazilian striker picked himself up to slot home the penalty. AEK's fate was sealed when they were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute when Mijat Gacinovic earned a second booking for a foul on Joel Veltman. Roberto De Zerbi's side are second in Group B, one point behind Marseille following the French side's dramatic 4-3 win over 10-man Ajax. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a hat-trick for Marseille, including the winner with a penalty three minutes into stoppage time. In the midst of a wretched season, Ajax had Steven Berghuis sent off in the 63rd minute and were consigned to elimination by their late defeat. "Who knows how far we can go?" Brighton captain Lewis Dunk said. "We want to win it and you've got to dream big to achieve it. "We're going to set our sights on reaching the final and winning it." Soucek strikes late West Ham moved into the knockout round after a late Tomas Soucek goal saw off Backa Topola 1-0 in Serbia. Soucek's 89th-minute volley from Maxwel Cornet's cross sealed the victory that put his team top of Group A. Second-placed Freiburg thrashed Olympiakos 5-0 to join West Ham in the knockout round. There is a three-way battle for qualification from Group C after third-placed Sparta Prague beat leaders Real Betis 1-0, while second-placed Rangers drew 1-1 with Aris Limassol. Atalanta wrapped up top spot in Group D after a 1-1 draw against second-placed Sporting Lisbon, who are also through to the knockout round. Rennes' 3-0 win against Maccabi Haifa took the French team to the top of Group F and into the knockout round, with Villarreal joining them after their 3-2 victory over Panathinaikos. Slavia Prague's 3-2 win at Sheriff sealed their knockout round place from Group G and Roma also advanced with a 1-1 draw at Servette. Bayer Leverkusen go through to the last 16 as Group H winners after beating Hacken 2-0. In the Europa Conference League, crowd troubled marred Aston Villa's 2-1 win against Legia Warsaw as three police officers were injured in clashes with Polish fans. The game was played with Legia supporters kept out of the stadium following the pre-match violence, which included flares and missiles being hurled at police.

Europa League: Liverpool thump LASK, Marseille clinch thriller against Ajax

In a meeting of two former European champions in crisis, Ajax and Marseille drew 3-3 in "a crazy game" while Liverpool and West Ham were also winners Thursday in the opening round of Europa League group games.

In a meeting of two former European champions in crisis, Ajax and Marseille drew 3-3 in "a crazy game" while Liverpool and West Ham were also winners Thursday in the opening round of Europa League group games. Liverpool fell behind for the fourth time in five matches this season but fought back to beat LASK 3-1 in Linz to make Jurgen Klopp the first coach to win 50 European games at the Merseyside club. West Ham, who won the Conference League last season, also hit back to beat visiting Serbian club TSC Backa Topola 3-1 Brighton, making their European debut in the Europa League, and Aston Villa returning to Europe, after 12 years, in the Conference League, both fell behind early and although they each equalised twice, lost 3-2. In Amsterdam, Ajax, who have won just two games all season and sit 12th in the Dutch league met Marseille who are third in Ligue 1. However, after a meeting between Marseille fan representatives and the club's hierarchy reportedly turned nasty, coach Marcelino, only appointed in June, resigned on Tuesday after just seven games in charge. On Thursday, both teams tore into the game. Ajax carved open the visiting defence in the first 20 minutes and took a two-goal lead with goals by Carlos Borges and Steven Berghuis. "I knew the players would get back into the game and we'd score the goal that would set us free. It was a crazy game, but I also think we were in control," said interim Marseille coach Jacques Abardonado. Jonathan Clauss and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit back before halftime. Also read | UCL roundup: Lazio goalkeeper scores 95th min equaliser, Man City fashion comeback win 'It could have been 6-6' As both sides peppered the opposing goals, Kenneth Taylor restored the home edge but Aubameyang levelled again with 12 minutes left. Marseille finished with 25 attempts on goal. "It could have been 6-6," said Ajax coach Maurice Steijn. "I don't want to talk about a crisis, I saw a great match in a full stadium." In Brighton, Djibril Sidibe put AEK ahead with a bullet header from 13 yards. Brighton twice levelled with Joao Pedro's penalties. AEK twice regained the lead when sudden deflections in the rain opened up chances. Mijat Gacinovic buried one and Ezequiel Ponce tucked home the winner. "We can improve but it's difficult to accept this defeat," said Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi. "I can't be happy when we win at Old Trafford and sad today with a good performance." "We didn't show as much experience as AEK Athens." Liverpool, playing in the Europa League for the first time since finishing runners-up in 2016, changed their entire starting 11 away to LASK. They fell behind to a 14th-minute rocket from Florian Flecker. Darwin Nunez levelled with a 55th-minute penalty kick after Luis Diaz was brought down. After 61 minutes, Klopp started to replace teenagers with regular starters. Within two minutes they were ahead when Ryan Gravenberch, on his full debut, burst down the right and crossed low for Diaz to score from close range. Two minutes from the end Mohamed Salah, a second-half replacement, poked home a third. "I'm really, really happy, because I said before, I knew it would be difficult and it was difficult," said Klopp. "A well-deserved win in the end, and that's it." Elsewhere in the Europa League, Romelu Lukaku earned last year's beaten finalists Roma a 2-1 victory at Sheriff in Moldova. Abdallah Sima scored the only goal as Rangers beat Real Betis 1-0 in Glasgow. Bayer Leverkusen crushed Swedes Hacken 4-0, Rennes cruised past Maccabi Haifa 3-0 in France, and Spaniards Villarreal lost 2-0 to Panathinaikos in Greece. In the Conference League, Aston Villa fell behind in the third minute to Legia Warsaw and despite equalising twice lost 3-2. "We have to be demanding of ourselves to impose the game plan, but we didn't do it," said Villa boss Unai Emery, three-time winner of the Europa League. "I like demanding games that are a challenge and not easy. Now these will be the types of matches we will face in the group." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UEL roundup: Liverpool complete comeback win, Marseille-Ajax play six-goal thriller

Liverpool were handed a kind draw on Friday for this season's Europa League group stage while their Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion can look forward to meeting European giants Ajax and Marseille in their first ever foray into continental competition.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds will play LASK of Austria, Union Saint-Gilloise of Belgium and French Cup holders Toulouse in Group E.

The Anfield club are appearing in the Europa League for the first time since 2015/16, when they lost the final to Sevilla, after finishing fifth in last season's Premier League.

Brighton finished sixth domestically last season to qualify for Europe for the first time in their history and have been rewarded with a glamour draw in Group B.

The Seagulls will play Ajax, the four-time former European champions and UEFA Cup winners in 1992, as well as 1993 Champions League winners Marseille and Greek champions AEK Athens.

Last season's Europa Conference League winners West Ham United will also go to Greece to play Olympiakos in Group A, which will also contain German Bundesliga side Freiburg and TSC Backa Topola of Serbia.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/transfer-deadline-day-live-football-transfer-window-premier-league-bundesliga-manchester-city-chelsea-631180">Transfer Deadline Day Live: Chelsea complete Cole Palmer deal, João Palhinha to Bayern, Højbjerg to Fulham</a>

TSC are making a rare foray into Europe after coming second in the Serbian league last season.

Following their defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League play-offs, 2022 Europa League runners-up Rangers were drawn in Group C with Real Betis, Czech champions Sparta Prague and Aris Limassol, the Cypriot title-holders.

Jose Mourinho's Roma, who lost last season's final on penalties to Sevilla, will play Slavia Prague, Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova and Servette of Geneva in Group G.

The first round of group-stage matches will be played on September 21, with this season's Europa League final being held in Dublin on May 22, 2024.

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Liverpool were handed a kind draw on Friday for this season's Europa League group stage while their Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion can look forward to meeting European giants Ajax and Marseille in their first ever foray into continental competition.

Liverpool were handed a kind draw on Friday for this season's Europa League group stage while their Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion can look forward to meeting European giants Ajax and Marseille in their first ever foray into continental competition. Jurgen Klopp's Reds will play LASK of Austria, Union Saint-Gilloise of Belgium and French Cup holders Toulouse in Group E. The Anfield club are appearing in the Europa League for the first time since 2015/16, when they lost the final to Sevilla, after finishing fifth in last season's Premier League. Brighton finished sixth domestically last season to qualify for Europe for the first time in their history and have been rewarded with a glamour draw in Group B. The Seagulls will play Ajax, the four-time former European champions and UEFA Cup winners in 1992, as well as 1993 Champions League winners Marseille and Greek champions AEK Athens. Last season's Europa Conference League winners West Ham United will also go to Greece to play Olympiakos in Group A, which will also contain German Bundesliga side Freiburg and TSC Backa Topola of Serbia. ALSO READ | Transfer Deadline Day Live: Chelsea complete Cole Palmer deal, João Palhinha to Bayern, Højbjerg to Fulham TSC are making a rare foray into Europe after coming second in the Serbian league last season. Following their defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League play-offs, 2022 Europa League runners-up Rangers were drawn in Group C with Real Betis, Czech champions Sparta Prague and Aris Limassol, the Cypriot title-holders. Jose Mourinho's Roma, who lost last season's final on penalties to Sevilla, will play Slavia Prague, Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova and Servette of Geneva in Group G. The first round of group-stage matches will be played on September 21, with this season's Europa League final being held in Dublin on May 22, 2024. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Liverpool get kind Europa League draw, Brighton to face Ajax and Marseille

Chelsea’s mass exodus continued on Friday, July 21 as they confirmed the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the club. The Gabon international will join Marseille on a free transfer as he leaves the West London side to rejoin Ligue 1. Aubameyang previously played for St. Etienne and left for Borussia Dortmund in 2013. Chelsea are now looking to bring in players having seen a major clearout in the close season.

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🔴OFFICIEL : Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 🇬🇦 (34 ans) s'engage avec l'Olympique de Marseille jusqu'en 2026 ! ✍️⚪️🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MercatOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MercatOM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamOM</a> <a href="https://t.co/4gRgrfocnP">pic.twitter.com/4gRgrfocnP</a>
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<h2>Aubameyang departs</h2>

The writing was on the walls for the former Barcelona player having arrived as a back-up striker at the club in 2022. The departure of Romelu Lukaku on loan to Inter Milan saw then manager Thomas Tuchel search for reinforcements. A panic buy that time, Aubameyang was surplus to requirements at Barcelona with the arrival of Robert Lewandowski and saw him leave the club. However, his stay at the club lasted less than a year, and will now apply his trade in the French league despite interest from Saudi Pro League sides.

Chelsea have been part of a mass clearout before the 2023-23 season begins under the regime of new manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine has already stamped his authority on the side by letting big money names leave the club. Only four players from the squad that won the Champions League have survived under him in the form of Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Thiago Silva, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The West London outfit has seen the departure of N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Pulisic, Édouard Mendy, and club captain César Azpilicueta as few bigger names on cards.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-ayesha-naseem-announces-shock-retirement-at-18-to-align-her-life-with-principles-of-islam-618114">Pakistan's Ayesha Naseem announces shock retirement at 18 to align her life with principles of Islam</a>

<h2>Lukaku to leave</h2>

The club in the coming days could confirm the departure of the outcast striker Lukaku, having not reported for training. Inter Milan were interested in a permanent deal for him but Chelsea’s asking price has seen the interest cool despite the player's wish to continue at the club. Juventus are interested in his services and could make an official deal while they let Dusan Vlahović join PSG.

The five-time Premier League champions will start the new season against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Sunday, August 13 at Stamford Bridge.&nbsp;

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Chelsea’s mass exodus continued on Friday, July 21 as they confirmed the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the club. The Gabon international will join Marseille on a free transfer as he leaves the West London side to rejoin Ligue 1.

Chelsea’s mass exodus continued on Friday, July 21 as they confirmed the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the club. The Gabon international will join Marseille on a free transfer as he leaves the West London side to rejoin Ligue 1. Aubameyang previously played for St. Etienne and left for Borussia Dortmund in 2013. Chelsea are now looking to bring in players having seen a major clearout in the close season. 🔴OFFICIEL : Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 🇬🇦 (34 ans) s'engage avec l'Olympique de Marseille jusqu'en 2026 ! ✍️⚪️🔵 #MercatOM #TeamOM pic.twitter.com/4gRgrfocnP — Infos OM (@InfosOM_) July 21, 2023 × Aubameyang departs The writing was on the walls for the former Barcelona player having arrived as a back-up striker at the club in 2022. The departure of Romelu Lukaku on loan to Inter Milan saw then manager Thomas Tuchel search for reinforcements. A panic buy that time, Aubameyang was surplus to requirements at Barcelona with the arrival of Robert Lewandowski and saw him leave the club. However, his stay at the club lasted less than a year, and will now apply his trade in the French league despite interest from Saudi Pro League sides. Chelsea have been part of a mass clearout before the 2023-23 season begins under the regime of new manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine has already stamped his authority on the side by letting big money names leave the club. Only four players from the squad that won the Champions League have survived under him in the form of Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Thiago Silva, and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The West London outfit has seen the departure of N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Pulisic, Édouard Mendy, and club captain César Azpilicueta as few bigger names on cards. ALSO READ | Pakistan's Ayesha Naseem announces shock retirement at 18 to align her life with principles of Islam Lukaku to leave The club in the coming days could confirm the departure of the outcast striker Lukaku, having not reported for training. Inter Milan were interested in a permanent deal for him but Chelsea’s asking price has seen the interest cool despite the player's wish to continue at the club. Juventus are interested in his services and could make an official deal while they let Dusan Vlahović join PSG. The five-time Premier League champions will start the new season against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Sunday, August 13 at Stamford Bridge. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football Transfers: Chelsea confirm yet another departure as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaves for Marseille

Six days after a massive blast destroyed a 17th-century building in France, injuring 58, a body was found in the rubble on Tuesday. Emergency services, looking for a missing woman after the blast, stumbled upon the body, an AFP report stated.

Six days after a massive blast destroyed a 17th-century building in France, injuring 58, a body was found in the rubble on Tuesday. Emergency services, looking for a missing woman after the blast, stumbled upon the body, an AFP report stated. The missing person was a teacher at the Paris American Academy fashion school on the city's touristy Left Bank. French media reports claimed that she had been teaching at the academy for 20 years and was on the third floor of the building when the blast took place. Apart from the woman, Peter Carman, the head of the academy, is among the worst hurt in the accident. Carman had reportedly rushed to cut off the power supply when the smell of gas spread through the building. Notably, the search operation of the destroyed building was briefly halted over the weekend, while a neighbouring building, which was on the verge of collapse, was stabilised. WATCH | Paris building fire: Ten killed, 30 injured × According to the French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, the incident happened on Rue Saint-Jacques in the fifth arrondissement, close to the Jardin Du Luxembourg and Sorbonne University, just before 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) on Wednesday (June 21). “We heard an incredible, very loud explosion at around 5 pm, we felt the force of it. We thought this isn’t a storm, this is serious. We heard the fire services. I went out to see if I could help. But it’s all shut-off," a local pharmacist and witness to the accident was quoted as saying by The Guardian. French media reports, citing nearby residents, reported a loud explosion preceding the fire. Meanwhile, French prosecutors said the cause of the fire still remains unknown. They are investigating whether the blast was the result of a failure to observe safety norms or not. Not the first instance Notably, this wasn't the first instance of a building collapsing after an explosion in France. In April this year, a similar incident was reported in the port city of Marseille. A five-floor building, located in an old quarter in the centre of France’s second-largest city collapsed after midnight. Also read | Building collapses after explosion in Marseille, 10 remain missing Several witnesses have said there was a suspicious smell of gas which could have caused the explosion. The accident once again highlighted the city's housing standards with shoddy structures housing thousands while several building codes remain violated. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Woman's body found in rubble six days after Paris building blast

A series of drug-related shootings has plunged Marseille into grief. At least three people were shot dead and a dozen injured in a turf war between rival drug gangs over the past weekend. Terming the spiralling drug-related violence a 'huge task that remains', French Interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, announced that 509 people have been arrested over drug trafficking this year...in addition to the seizure of a ton of cannabis and 48 kilos of cocaine in Marseille. But will this be enough in curtailing the menace of drug wars in the idyllic south of France? Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Three killed in a turf war between narco gangs in Marseille, France | World at War

Marseille&nbsp;building collapse:&nbsp;An apartment building collapsed following an explosion in France port city of Marseille on Sunday. The high-flame fire burning within the rubble has hindered the rescue efforts as authorities fear as many as 10 could be trapped. Five injured have already been rescued.&nbsp;

The five-floor building, located&nbsp;in an old quarter in the centre of France’s second-largest city collapsed after midnight (12:40 AM) on Sunday. It is still unknown what caused the explosion which led to the collapse of the building.&nbsp;

<h2>Fatalities may be involved&nbsp;</h2>

According to&nbsp;Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan, over 100 firefighters were on the spot, battling the blaze,&nbsp;and warned there may be fatalities involved.&nbsp;

"We’re&nbsp;trying to drown the fire while preserving the lives of eventual victims under the rubble. Firefighters are gauging minute by minute the best way to put out the fire. We have to be prepared to have fatalities in this terrible tragedy," said Payan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-building-comes-crashing-down-in-indian-capital-no-casualties-so-far-569983">WATCH | Building comes crashing down in Indian capital, no casualties reported</a>

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said there could be four to ten people under the rubble.&nbsp;"We don't know if they're alive or dead."

France President Emmanuel Macron took to Twitter to share a message and said his thoughts were with the people affected.&nbsp;

"I am thinking of those affected and their loved ones. Research is continuing with significant resources deployed. Thank you to the firefighters and rescuers mobilised," tweeted Macron.&nbsp;

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Émotion avec Marseille, où un immeuble de la rue Tivoli s’est effondré cette nuit. Je pense aux personnes touchées et à leurs proches. Les recherches se poursuivent avec d’importants moyens déployés. Merci aux pompiers et aux secours mobilisés.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1644984795284250627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The rescue efforts have also been impeded as an adjoining building also suffered a partial collapse. The firefighters had to bring down eight people from the building after they had sought refuge on the roof terrace.&nbsp;

Several witnesses have said there was a suspicious smell of gas which could have caused the explosion. The accident has once again highlighted the city's housing standards with shoddy structures housing thousands as&nbsp;several building codes remain violated.&nbsp;

In 2018, eight people were killed in the city after two dilapidated buildings in the&nbsp;Noailles district caved in.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Marseille building collapse: An apartment building collapsed following an explosion in France port city of Marseille on Sunday. The high-flame fire burning within the rubble has hindered the rescue efforts as authorities fear as many as 10 could be trapped.

Marseille building collapse: An apartment building collapsed following an explosion in France port city of Marseille on Sunday. The high-flame fire burning within the rubble has hindered the rescue efforts as authorities fear as many as 10 could be trapped. Five injured have already been rescued. The five-floor building, located in an old quarter in the centre of France’s second-largest city collapsed after midnight (12:40 AM) on Sunday. It is still unknown what caused the explosion which led to the collapse of the building. Fatalities may be involved According to Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan, over 100 firefighters were on the spot, battling the blaze, and warned there may be fatalities involved. "We’re trying to drown the fire while preserving the lives of eventual victims under the rubble. Firefighters are gauging minute by minute the best way to put out the fire. We have to be prepared to have fatalities in this terrible tragedy," said Payan. WATCH | Building comes crashing down in Indian capital, no casualties reported Meanwhile, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said there could be four to ten people under the rubble. "We don't know if they're alive or dead." France President Emmanuel Macron took to Twitter to share a message and said his thoughts were with the people affected. "I am thinking of those affected and their loved ones. Research is continuing with significant resources deployed. Thank you to the firefighters and rescuers mobilised," tweeted Macron. Émotion avec Marseille, où un immeuble de la rue Tivoli s’est effondré cette nuit. Je pense aux personnes touchées et à leurs proches. Les recherches se poursuivent avec d’importants moyens déployés. Merci aux pompiers et aux secours mobilisés. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 9, 2023 × The rescue efforts have also been impeded as an adjoining building also suffered a partial collapse. The firefighters had to bring down eight people from the building after they had sought refuge on the roof terrace. Several witnesses have said there was a suspicious smell of gas which could have caused the explosion. The accident has once again highlighted the city's housing standards with shoddy structures housing thousands as several building codes remain violated. In 2018, eight people were killed in the city after two dilapidated buildings in the Noailles district caved in. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Building collapses after explosion in Marseille, 10 remain missing

The French police have apprehended a suspect and his accomplices, part of a highly sophisticated robbery ring that targeted first-class passengers on high-speed French trains.

The French police have apprehended a suspect and his accomplices, part of a highly sophisticated robbery ring that targeted first-class passengers on high-speed French trains. According to a BBC report, the man caught, alongside two others confessed to carrying out the thefts on French trains. Moreover, the police, based on intel and statements by the apprehended conducted a raid at a small flat near Marseille's Saint Charles station where it found a stockpile of stolen goods. 170 wallets, 150 pieces of luggage, hundreds of pairs of sunglasses, and $137,000 in small denomination of cash among other items have been discovered in the flat. The gang, which has stolen items worth $300,000, according to the police, usually operated as a high-functioning group. [#Interpellations] Les #policiers des Bouches-du-Rhône ont mis fin à un réseau de vol des voyageurs TGV de 1ère classe entre #Nice et #Marseille. 👉4 mois d’enquête 👉300 000€ de butin retrouvé (montres, bijoux, valises, appareils photo...) 👉3 individus interpellés@PoliceNat13 pic.twitter.com/nFTxZqBfkd — Police nationale (@PoliceNationale) September 16, 2022 × According to the authorities, the men in their 40s and 50s used to board the train from different parts of the country and to different routes. One might take a ticket from Paris to Nice while the other would take a ticket from Paris to Marseille. WATCH | Lebanon: 'Robbery' in broad daylight, people inside the bank break into panic × One of the gang members that has been caught would wear a wig, elaborate costume, and make-up and disguise himself as a woman before sitting beside the unsuspecting passengers. The skilled accomplices of the disguised man would then cleverly nick the wallet and luggage left at people’s feet or bags left unattended. After doing the needful, they would get off at the next station without any fuss. The gang came under the spotlight after a woman, leaving the train at Aix-en-Provence station, earlier this year reported to the police about a robbery. The woman had been robbed of her bag which contained $50,000 worth of jewellery. Read more: Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang assaulted in armed robbery at his home Since then, the authorities had been working to nab the gang which they claimed was 'perfectly organised' with each member knowing their role well. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

A movie-esque train theft ring busted by French police; accused wearing wigs robbed victims

Nice and Olympique de Marseille have been summoned to a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday after their Ligue 1 match on Sunday had to be abandoned due to crowd trouble, said the French professional league (LFP).

The match at Nice's Allianz Riviera was abandoned in the 75th minute on Sunday after Marseille players clashed with home fans who pelted them with missiles and stormed onto the pitch.

Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet was struck by a bottle thrown by Nice supporters as he was about to take a corner. After he hurled the bottle back at them, a full-scale brawl ensued when some of the fans rushed onto the field.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-players-attacked-bottles-thrown-as-nice-vs-marseille-match-abandoned-after-angry-fans-invade-pitch-407763">Watch: Players attacked, bottles thrown as Nice vs Marseille match abandoned after angry fans invade pitch</a>

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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Dimitri Payet struck in the back by a bottle thrown by Nice fans. He then threw it back into the crowd. 
 
Marseille players had been targeted by plastic water bottles from that section of the crowd throughout the match.<a href="https://t.co/KdHGeDilkm">pic.twitter.com/KdHGeDilkm</a>
— ⚽🖤💛🔴⚪⚫ (@ElijahKyama) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElijahKyama/status/1429704624433401862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Those fans should clearly never have been allowed to get onto the pitch," French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu told BFM TV, adding that the trouble was all the more regrettable given how sports venues had been empty for several months due to COVID-19 health protocols.

"These incidents are an insult for sport and football."

The trouble was also condemned by Christian Estrosi, the mayor for the city of Nice.

"This violence is unacceptable. Sanctions must be taken by the French football league once they have found out who was responsible," said Estrosi.

A judicial probe is underway into Sunday's trouble, added local French media reports.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-best-one-chelseas-romelu-lukaku-relishes-goal-on-premier-league-return-407708">&nbsp;'The best one': Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku relishes goal on Premier League return</a>

The clashes marred the image of France's Ligue 1 just as the league was hoping to win more viewers across the world following the arrival of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi at Paris St Germain.

Players from both Nice and Marseille retreated to the tunnel and play was held up for 90 minutes before referee Benoit Bastien declared the match abandoned. Nice players had returned to the pitch shortly before the match was called off but Marseille's line-up refused to join them.

Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere had appealed for calm over the stadium's public address system during the delay but angry Marseille players and staff refused to carry on.

Marseille president Pablo Longoria said the club had decided not to continue with the match despite a decision by the soccer authorities that play should resume.

Revere partially blamed Payet and his team mate Alvaro Gonzales for the chaos after they retaliated by hurling bottles back at Nice fans and accused Marseille staff of hitting some of the home players.

However, Benoit Payan - the mayor for the city of Marseille, backed his club's decision not to resume the match.

"Proud of my team for not being prepared to take part in this masquerade," wrote Payan on Twitter.

Nice and Olympique de Marseille have been summoned to a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday after their Ligue 1 match on Sunday had to be abandoned due to crowd trouble, said the French professional league (LFP).

Nice and Olympique de Marseille have been summoned to a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday after their Ligue 1 match on Sunday had to be abandoned due to crowd trouble, said the French professional league (LFP). The match at Nice's Allianz Riviera was abandoned in the 75th minute on Sunday after Marseille players clashed with home fans who pelted them with missiles and stormed onto the pitch. Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet was struck by a bottle thrown by Nice supporters as he was about to take a corner. After he hurled the bottle back at them, a full-scale brawl ensued when some of the fans rushed onto the field. ALSO READ | Watch: Players attacked, bottles thrown as Nice vs Marseille match abandoned after angry fans invade pitch Watch the video here: Dimitri Payet struck in the back by a bottle thrown by Nice fans. He then threw it back into the crowd. Marseille players had been targeted by plastic water bottles from that section of the crowd throughout the match.pic.twitter.com/KdHGeDilkm — ⚽🖤💛🔴⚪⚫ (@ElijahKyama) August 23, 2021 × "Those fans should clearly never have been allowed to get onto the pitch," French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu told BFM TV, adding that the trouble was all the more regrettable given how sports venues had been empty for several months due to COVID-19 health protocols. "These incidents are an insult for sport and football." The trouble was also condemned by Christian Estrosi, the mayor for the city of Nice. "This violence is unacceptable. Sanctions must be taken by the French football league once they have found out who was responsible," said Estrosi. A judicial probe is underway into Sunday's trouble, added local French media reports. ALSO READ | 'The best one': Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku relishes goal on Premier League return The clashes marred the image of France's Ligue 1 just as the league was hoping to win more viewers across the world following the arrival of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi at Paris St Germain. Players from both Nice and Marseille retreated to the tunnel and play was held up for 90 minutes before referee Benoit Bastien declared the match abandoned. Nice players had returned to the pitch shortly before the match was called off but Marseille's line-up refused to join them. Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere had appealed for calm over the stadium's public address system during the delay but angry Marseille players and staff refused to carry on. Marseille president Pablo Longoria said the club had decided not to continue with the match despite a decision by the soccer authorities that play should resume. Revere partially blamed Payet and his team mate Alvaro Gonzales for the chaos after they retaliated by hurling bottles back at Nice fans and accused Marseille staff of hitting some of the home players. However, Benoit Payan - the mayor for the city of Marseille, backed his club's decision not to resume the match. "Proud of my team for not being prepared to take part in this masquerade," wrote Payan on Twitter.

Nice and Marseille summoned to disciplinary hearing following abandoned match

The Ligue 1 game between Nice and Marseille was abandoned after Marseille players did not return for the restart after clashes erupt with home fans on Sunday (August 23) at the Allianz Riviera Stadium.

The Ligue 1 game between Nice and Marseille was abandoned after Marseille players did not return for the restart after clashes erupt with home fans on Sunday (August 23) at the Allianz Riviera Stadium. With about 15 minutes remaining, the match was suspended when home fans threw projectiles and invaded the field. Nice's players came out to finish the game After a long delay but the Marseille did not, citing players' security. Videos of the incident have surfaced on social media platforms that show how fans came onto the pitch and angrily confronted opposing player Dimitri Payet, as an ugly brawl broke out involving players and spectators. The incident took place at the 75th minute when Payet was hit on the back by a bottle thrown from the stands, he then launched one back at the crowd. It's been reported that Payet had been targeted by plastic bottles every time he took a corner. ALSO READ | 'The best one': Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku relishes goal on Premier League return When Payet threw the bottle back into the crowd it led to complete chaos as some Nice fans rushed to the field, and a melee ensued involving players and supporters. Angry home supporters then clambered onto the pitch, threatening Payet. Watch the video here: Gone off big time in Nice v Marseille pic.twitter.com/Lm0VYFLmra — Paul Atherton (@Avsbwfc) August 22, 2021 × Payet got hit with a bottle…He threw it back…Nice fans entered the pitch…Marseille coaching staff member knocks a fan out 😯 pic.twitter.com/KZ4eJ8vqIr — SuZe Sport (@SportySuz20) August 22, 2021 × Jorge Sampaoli is really wanting to throw down and knock someone out. Marseille and now Nice squads having a real shuffle now. Basile Boli also wanting to uppercut someone. Just wow. pic.twitter.com/yHcVRs0tIM — TWDTV (@TWDTV1) August 22, 2021 × The incident that caused the suspension of the Nice vs Marseille game.#OM#Ligue1UberEatspic.twitter.com/K1vUwOoCbC — Matthew Bauer (@mattbauer__5) August 22, 2021 × "Our players were attacked," said Marseille president Pablo Longoria. "The league wanted the match to restart. 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." In the melee, Marseille's Alvaro Gonzalez and Matteo Guendouzi ran towards the end of the ground to face down the fans. Nice skipper Dante attempted to calm angry supporters. ALSO READ | 'If he has the Raheem mentality...': Pep Guardiola wants Jack Grealish to follow 'goal machine' Sterling A security cordon of stewards, dressed in yellow vests, tried to stem the pitch invasion before a brawl broke out between players of the two teams, supporters and staff. Marseille coach Jorge Sampaoli was seen being restrained by his staff and players. The referee then led both teams off to the safety of the dressing room. Eighty minutes after the game was suspended, Nice, who were leading 1-0 through a Kasper Dolberg goal, said they wanted to restart. Marseille, however, wanted the match halted for good. "The decision was taken by the authorities to resume the match, but Marseille do not want to," Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere told broadcaster Prime Video. Previously, Marseille's opening 3-2 win at Montpellier two weeks ago was also held up when fans pelted the pitch with bottles. That clash at Montpellier's Stade Mosson was halted in the 89th minute after Marseille substitute Valentin Rongier was hit on the head. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch: Players attacked, bottles thrown as Nice vs Marseille match abandoned after angry fans invade pitch

An angry Andre Villas-Boas offered his resignation as coach of Marseille on Tuesday after revealing the Ligue 1 club signed midfielder Olivier Ntcham from Celtic against his wishes on transfer deadline day.

"I want nothing from OM, no money. I just want to leave," Villas-Boas said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Ntcham, a 24-year-old former France Under-21 international, joined on loan from Celtic until the end of the season just before the winter transfer window closed but Villas-Boas said he had not been in favour of the deal and knew nothing about it.

"The transfer window closed with the arrival of a new player on deadline day. It was not a decision that was taken by me. I had nothing to do with the decision," he said.

"I found out this morning when I woke up and looked at the press. I had specifically said no to that player and he was never on our list of targets.

"Because of that I have handed in my resignation to the board."

Villas-Boas, the former Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham manager, had already said last week that he expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of this season, with Marseille on a run of just one win in nine games in all competitions.

Three straight league defeats have seen last season's Ligue 1 runners-up slip to ninth in the table before they face Lens on Wednesday.

Their scheduled match at home to Rennes on Saturday was postponed after several hundred angry fans stormed the club's training ground in a violent protest, leading to 25 arrests.&nbsp;

An angry Andre Villas-Boas offered his resignation as coach of Marseille on Tuesday after revealing the Ligue 1 club signed midfielder Olivier Ntcham from Celtic against his wishes on transfer deadline day.

An angry Andre Villas-Boas offered his resignation as coach of Marseille on Tuesday after revealing the Ligue 1 club signed midfielder Olivier Ntcham from Celtic against his wishes on transfer deadline day. "I want nothing from OM, no money. I just want to leave," Villas-Boas said at a press conference on Tuesday. Ntcham, a 24-year-old former France Under-21 international, joined on loan from Celtic until the end of the season just before the winter transfer window closed but Villas-Boas said he had not been in favour of the deal and knew nothing about it. "The transfer window closed with the arrival of a new player on deadline day. It was not a decision that was taken by me. I had nothing to do with the decision," he said. "I found out this morning when I woke up and looked at the press. I had specifically said no to that player and he was never on our list of targets. "Because of that I have handed in my resignation to the board." Villas-Boas, the former Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham manager, had already said last week that he expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of this season, with Marseille on a run of just one win in nine games in all competitions. Three straight league defeats have seen last season's Ligue 1 runners-up slip to ninth in the table before they face Lens on Wednesday. Their scheduled match at home to Rennes on Saturday was postponed after several hundred angry fans stormed the club's training ground in a violent protest, leading to 25 arrests.

Villas-Boas offers to resign as Marseille coach in transfer row

Neymar and Alvaro Gonzalez renewed their bitter rivalry after a fiery fixture between PSG and Marseille on Wednesday. However, this time both players exchanged words on social media and not on the pitch.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shocked-bayern-munich-knocked-out-of-german-cup-by-second-division-kiel-356617" hreflang="en">'Shocked' Bayern Munich knocked out of German Cup by second division Kiel</a>

The feud between Neymar and Alvaro started in September after the Brazilian forward was sent off for slapping Gonzalez from behind. Neymar went on to accuse Gonzalez of making racist remarks. However, the French Federation investigation later cleared Gonzalez.

Paris Saint Germain's 2-1 win over Marseille in the French Super Cup ensured first silverware for the new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The Twitter war was started by Neymar, who took to Twitter to mock the OM player. He captioned his post: "King, Alvaro born?"

To which Alvaro responded: "My parents always taught me to take out the trash. Go OM (Olympique Marseille) always."

The Brazilian superstar was quick to respond and said: "And he forgot to win TITLES."

Gonzalez went on to tweet Brazilian legend Pele's photo and captioned it: "Eternal shadow of the King."

Neymar replied: "And you mine, I made you famous. You're welcome."

Despite Payet's late goal, Mauro Icardi and Neymar's goals ensured Paris' victory over their bitter rivals.&nbsp;

Neymar and Alvaro Gonzalez renewed their bitter rivalry after a fiery fixture between PSG and Marseille on Wednesday. However, this time both players exchanged words on social media and not on the pitch.

Neymar and Alvaro Gonzalez renewed their bitter rivalry after a fiery fixture between PSG and Marseille on Wednesday. However, this time both players exchanged words on social media and not on the pitch. ALSO READ: 'Shocked' Bayern Munich knocked out of German Cup by second division Kiel The feud between Neymar and Alvaro started in September after the Brazilian forward was sent off for slapping Gonzalez from behind. Neymar went on to accuse Gonzalez of making racist remarks. However, the French Federation investigation later cleared Gonzalez. Paris Saint Germain's 2-1 win over Marseille in the French Super Cup ensured first silverware for the new manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Twitter war was started by Neymar, who took to Twitter to mock the OM player. He captioned his post: "King, Alvaro born?" To which Alvaro responded: "My parents always taught me to take out the trash. Go OM (Olympique Marseille) always." The Brazilian superstar was quick to respond and said: "And he forgot to win TITLES." Gonzalez went on to tweet Brazilian legend Pele's photo and captioned it: "Eternal shadow of the King." Neymar replied: "And you mine, I made you famous. You're welcome." Despite Payet's late goal, Mauro Icardi and Neymar's goals ensured Paris' victory over their bitter rivals.

'King, Alvaro born?': Neymar and Gonzalez renew their rivalry after French Super Cup clash

Four&nbsp;people were found&nbsp;dead&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;after&nbsp;massive&nbsp;flooding that has&nbsp;hit&nbsp;southeastern&nbsp;France&nbsp;since Friday, causing major damage in the region, local authorities said.

One person was found&nbsp;dead&nbsp;near Muy, between the towns of Nice and Marseille,&nbsp;after&nbsp;falling off a rescue boat near Muy late on Saturday, the police prefecture of the Var department said in a statement.

Another body was found in a car in Cabasse and two people were found&nbsp;dead&nbsp;in Tanneron, it added.

A 77-year old man has been missing since Saturday morning in Saint-Antonin-du-Var.

Several rivers burst their banks in&nbsp;southeastern&nbsp;France, causing major damage as homes were flooded and cars and boats were swept along by the waters.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner traveled to the Var on Sunday to meet victims and rescue workers as the rain continued to fall in the region, although it was not as heavy as in previous days and&nbsp;floods&nbsp;started to subside.

Four people were found dead on Sunday after massive flooding that has hit southeastern France since Friday, causing major damage in the region, local authorities said.

Four people were found dead on Sunday after massive flooding that has hit southeastern France since Friday, causing major damage in the region, local authorities said. One person was found dead near Muy, between the towns of Nice and Marseille, after falling off a rescue boat near Muy late on Saturday, the police prefecture of the Var department said in a statement. Another body was found in a car in Cabasse and two people were found dead in Tanneron, it added. A 77-year old man has been missing since Saturday morning in Saint-Antonin-du-Var. Several rivers burst their banks in southeastern France, causing major damage as homes were flooded and cars and boats were swept along by the waters. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner traveled to the Var on Sunday to meet victims and rescue workers as the rain continued to fall in the region, although it was not as heavy as in previous days and floods started to subside.

At least four dead after massive floods hit southeastern France

Mauro Icardi and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kylian-mbappe-proves-his-point-with-champions-league-hat-trick-257688">Kylian Mbappe</a> scored twice each as Paris St Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to eight points with a 4-0 crushing of bitter rivals Olympique de Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Argentine striker Icardi and France forward Mbappe netted all the goals in the opening half to put PSG on 27 points from 11 games, eight ahead of their nearest challengers Nantes, and leave OM in seventh place on 16 points.

Icardi has now scored seven goals in his last seven games while Mbappe has struck five times in two matches for PSG, who were without the injured Neymar.

OM have not won against PSG in all competitions in their last 20 meetings since 2011, the year Qatar Sports Investment took over in the capital before investing more than a billion euros in transfers.

"We have been hammering you for eight years and it's not over," a banner in the Auteuil curve of the Parc des Princes read.

The banner was spot-on as PSG overwhelmed the visitors, their attacking trio of Mbappe, Icardi and Angel Di Maria proving impossible to handle.

"I'm happy to score those goals, that's why I came here," said the man of the match Icardi.

OM coach Andre Villas-Boas said PSG's players were simply too good.

"The system is not the question, it's their individual qualities that made the difference. There is no shame, I'm proud of my players," he said.

Marseille's Dimitri Payet made his return after a four-match ban for insulting a referee while Mbappe was handed his first start in two months after struggling with injuries.

The 20-year-old, who scored a hat-trick after coming on as a second-half substitute against Club Brugge in the Champions League this week, threatened early on but it was Icardi who found the back of the net first.

Steve Mandanda parried the Argentine's header for Icardi to fire home from point-blank range shortly after Valere Germain had missed a great chance for the visitors.

The French international keeper was beaten by Icardi again in the 27th minute, the striker heading home from Marco Verratti's through ball.

Mbappe made it 3-0 five minutes later, tapping in from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/di-maria-sends-psg-five-points-clear-as-nice-see-red-256983">Di Maria's</a> cross.

The Frenchman was at it again one minute from the break, collecting a defence-splitting pass from Di Maria before curling a 16-metre shot past Mandanda.

PSG took a more casual approach in the second half but came close to adding another, Mbappe missing a sitter from Icardi's pass and the opportunity to become the first player to score a hat trick in the French "classic".

He was replaced by Edinson Cavani as the Uruguay striker made his comeback after a two-month injury layoff.

Earlier, Yann Gboho's last-gasp goal earned Stade Rennais a 3-2 home victory over Toulouse which ended the Brittany side's 10-game winless run in all competitions.

The result lifted Rennes up to ninth in the standings on 15 points, ahead of 12th-placed St Etienne on goal difference after Les Verts were held to a 2-2 home draw by Stade de Reims - the first time they dropped points in the league since coach Claude Puel took over three weeks ago.

Mauro Icardi and Kylian Mbappe scored twice each as Paris St Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to eight points with a 4-0 crushing of bitter rivals Olympique de Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Mauro Icardi and Kylian Mbappe scored twice each as Paris St Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to eight points with a 4-0 crushing of bitter rivals Olympique de Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday. Argentine striker Icardi and France forward Mbappe netted all the goals in the opening half to put PSG on 27 points from 11 games, eight ahead of their nearest challengers Nantes, and leave OM in seventh place on 16 points. Icardi has now scored seven goals in his last seven games while Mbappe has struck five times in two matches for PSG, who were without the injured Neymar. OM have not won against PSG in all competitions in their last 20 meetings since 2011, the year Qatar Sports Investment took over in the capital before investing more than a billion euros in transfers. "We have been hammering you for eight years and it's not over," a banner in the Auteuil curve of the Parc des Princes read. The banner was spot-on as PSG overwhelmed the visitors, their attacking trio of Mbappe, Icardi and Angel Di Maria proving impossible to handle. "I'm happy to score those goals, that's why I came here," said the man of the match Icardi. OM coach Andre Villas-Boas said PSG's players were simply too good. "The system is not the question, it's their individual qualities that made the difference. There is no shame, I'm proud of my players," he said. Marseille's Dimitri Payet made his return after a four-match ban for insulting a referee while Mbappe was handed his first start in two months after struggling with injuries. The 20-year-old, who scored a hat-trick after coming on as a second-half substitute against Club Brugge in the Champions League this week, threatened early on but it was Icardi who found the back of the net first. Steve Mandanda parried the Argentine's header for Icardi to fire home from point-blank range shortly after Valere Germain had missed a great chance for the visitors. The French international keeper was beaten by Icardi again in the 27th minute, the striker heading home from Marco Verratti's through ball. Mbappe made it 3-0 five minutes later, tapping in from Di Maria's cross. The Frenchman was at it again one minute from the break, collecting a defence-splitting pass from Di Maria before curling a 16-metre shot past Mandanda. PSG took a more casual approach in the second half but came close to adding another, Mbappe missing a sitter from Icardi's pass and the opportunity to become the first player to score a hat trick in the French "classic". He was replaced by Edinson Cavani as the Uruguay striker made his comeback after a two-month injury layoff. Earlier, Yann Gboho's last-gasp goal earned Stade Rennais a 3-2 home victory over Toulouse which ended the Brittany side's 10-game winless run in all competitions. The result lifted Rennes up to ninth in the standings on 15 points, ahead of 12th-placed St Etienne on goal difference after Les Verts were held to a 2-2 home draw by Stade de Reims - the first time they dropped points in the league since coach Claude Puel took over three weeks ago.

Football: Icardi, Mbappe shine as PSG thrash Marseille

After 28 days below the sea at a crushing depth of 120 metres, &nbsp;a team of four researchers emerged into the sunshine at the French Mediterranean port of Marseille on Sunday.

The team, led by marine naturalist and underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta, celebrated with family and friends Sunday evening after a three-day period spent in a decompression chamber.

This was not quite Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues under the Sea" and the canary-yellow capsule in which they made their descent was not quite a submarine.

But the diving bell that was their home for four weeks allowed them to spend up to eight hours a day at 120 metres (395 feet) below the sea without having to worry about getting the bends when they resurfaced.

Ballesta described the marine wildlife and the "rock cathedrals of the underwater cliffs" that they had witnessed, as he and his colleagues celebrated the end of the expedition with champagne.

And reunited with his wife and two-month-old daughter, he admitted, tears in his eyes: "I underestimated the return to land. It's more moving than expected."

Ballesta has brought back film footage and thousands of images taken during his time in that inhospitable region: the weight of the water at that depth is 13 times that on the surface.

"We all live on the same planet, but there are several worlds, and we have had the honour of exploring another world," said Ballesta.

"At almost every dive, we were able to film or photograph a species that had never been observed living in its environment."

The other members of the team were marine biologist Antonin Guilbert, diving instructor and lighting specialist Thibault Rauby, and diver and cameraman Yannick Gentil.

Every day, the steel capsule, which measures one square metre, was lowered from a barge into the gloom of the "twilight" or mesophotic zone, where only one per cent of the sun's rays penetrate.

After each deep-sea dive, the divers returned to the chamber, in which the pressure was set at 13 times the pressure of the atmosphere.

When they were brought back to the surface at the end of every day, their capsule was connected to two other chambers -- one acting as a bathroom and the other as a kitchen with a small table and an airlock through which to receive food.

The research station was towed by barge along the coast between Marseille and Monaco over the course of the month, with their three-day stint at the end the only time they entered a decompression chamber.

During their four weeks underwater, the team also carried out experiments commissioned by researchers and laboratories and universities.

But the combination of the cold and the pressure made working so deep difficult and dangerous, said Ballesta. He and colleague Thibault Ribault were still suffering from frostbite on their fingers Sunday.

The Planet Mediterranean team stayed in regular contact with the outside world with video blogs and televised news conferences.&nbsp;

They are planning an exhibition of the photos taken during their expedition and also a documentary for release next year.

After 28 days below the sea at a crushing depth of 120 metres, a team of four researchers emerged into the sunshine at the French Mediterranean port of Marseille on Sunday.

After 28 days below the sea at a crushing depth of 120 metres, a team of four researchers emerged into the sunshine at the French Mediterranean port of Marseille on Sunday. The team, led by marine naturalist and underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta, celebrated with family and friends Sunday evening after a three-day period spent in a decompression chamber. This was not quite Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues under the Sea" and the canary-yellow capsule in which they made their descent was not quite a submarine. But the diving bell that was their home for four weeks allowed them to spend up to eight hours a day at 120 metres (395 feet) below the sea without having to worry about getting the bends when they resurfaced. Ballesta described the marine wildlife and the "rock cathedrals of the underwater cliffs" that they had witnessed, as he and his colleagues celebrated the end of the expedition with champagne. And reunited with his wife and two-month-old daughter, he admitted, tears in his eyes: "I underestimated the return to land. It's more moving than expected." Ballesta has brought back film footage and thousands of images taken during his time in that inhospitable region: the weight of the water at that depth is 13 times that on the surface. "We all live on the same planet, but there are several worlds, and we have had the honour of exploring another world," said Ballesta. "At almost every dive, we were able to film or photograph a species that had never been observed living in its environment." The other members of the team were marine biologist Antonin Guilbert, diving instructor and lighting specialist Thibault Rauby, and diver and cameraman Yannick Gentil. Every day, the steel capsule, which measures one square metre, was lowered from a barge into the gloom of the "twilight" or mesophotic zone, where only one per cent of the sun's rays penetrate. After each deep-sea dive, the divers returned to the chamber, in which the pressure was set at 13 times the pressure of the atmosphere. When they were brought back to the surface at the end of every day, their capsule was connected to two other chambers -- one acting as a bathroom and the other as a kitchen with a small table and an airlock through which to receive food. The research station was towed by barge along the coast between Marseille and Monaco over the course of the month, with their three-day stint at the end the only time they entered a decompression chamber. During their four weeks underwater, the team also carried out experiments commissioned by researchers and laboratories and universities. But the combination of the cold and the pressure made working so deep difficult and dangerous, said Ballesta. He and colleague Thibault Ribault were still suffering from frostbite on their fingers Sunday. The Planet Mediterranean team stayed in regular contact with the outside world with video blogs and televised news conferences. They are planning an exhibition of the photos taken during their expedition and also a documentary for release next year.

After 28 days undersea at 120 metres, researchers in France emerge in Marseille port

Veteran actor Jean Reno has been roped in to star in thriller 'Rogue City'.

The film is set in Marseille, France, and follows an anti-gang cop (Reno) with unorthodox methods who investigates a shooting at a local nightclub along with his longtime rival.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Variety, the film, to be directed by Olivier Marchal, also features Lannick Gautry, Stanislas Merhar and David Bell.&nbsp;

Alain Figlarz, best known for his work on 'Taken 3', 'The Bourne Identity' and 'The Transporter', will be handling the action scenes and stunts.

Production is set to start in September in the south of France.

Veteran actor Jean Reno has been roped in to star in thriller 'Rogue City'. The film is set in Marseille, France, and follows an anti-gang cop (Reno) with unorthodox methods who investigates a shooting at a local nightclub along with his longtime rival.

Veteran actor Jean Reno has been roped in to star in thriller 'Rogue City'. The film is set in Marseille, France, and follows an anti-gang cop (Reno) with unorthodox methods who investigates a shooting at a local nightclub along with his longtime rival. According to Variety, the film, to be directed by Olivier Marchal, also features Lannick Gautry, Stanislas Merhar and David Bell. Alain Figlarz, best known for his work on 'Taken 3', 'The Bourne Identity' and 'The Transporter', will be handling the action scenes and stunts. Production is set to start in September in the south of France.

Jean Reno to star in 'Rogue City'

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