The fan who struck Marseille midfielder with a bottle at Lyon's Groupama Stadium has received a suspended jail sentence.
The individual known as Wilfried S was handed a six-month suspended sentence on Tuesday, and banned from Lyon's stadium for five years. He must also serve a two-year probation period.
Sunday's meeting of Lyon and Marseille was abandoned after just four-minutes when Payet was struck by a full water bottle as he prepared to take a corner.
It was just the latest in a string of shameful incidents that have dogged the Ligue 1 season.
French interior minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed on Tuesday that measures to increase security at stadiums will be proposed in a fortnight.
"I remain firmly convinced that it was not his wish to hurt Dimitri Payet," said the assailant's lawyer, David Metaxas.
Lyon vs. Marseille is brought to a halt after Dimitri Payet was struck on the side of the head by a water bottle thrown from the stands 😳 pic.twitter.com/RHQtbE0VJK
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 21, 2021
"It was not either his wish to cause the interruption of the match. It was to be heard.
"He blames himself, clearly. If he could compensate everyone on his own, he would.
"Obviously he does not have the capacity. But he is a relieved man, who will be able to return to a normal life after all this legal and media chaos.
"I think he now aspires to a lot more serenity. Once again he apologises to everyone: to the clubs, to the supporters, and of course to main title to Dimitri Payet. He regrets his gesture."
Payet had filed a charge of aggravated wilful violence against Wilfried S.
He told police, "We had just started the match when I received a full plastic water bottle at the level of the skull and more precisely at the level of the left ear.
"I immediately felt a sharp pain and fell to the ground. I was stunned.
"I don't know where the bottle came from. I did not see the perpetrator.
"I stayed several minutes on the ground, the pain was intense. I am now afraid of taking corners when I play away."
