Patrice Evra was inspired to kick a Marseille fan in the head by his kung fu fighting buddy, according to reports.

The former Manchester United defender was shown a red card for the incident, which occurred during the warm-up before Marseille’s 1-0 Champions League defeat at Vitória de Guimarães.

And it has emerged that Evra took his lead from a friend who practises the Chinese martial art form.

A source said: “Evra’s buddy was kung fu fighting, and furthermore he was fast as lightning.

“It was a little bit frightening, but it was all done with expert timing.”

Evra’s victim commented: “Oh-hoh-hoh-hoah.”

He added: “Oh-hoh-hoh-hoah.”