Mario Balotelli nets on Marseille debut but Lille defeat is overshadowed by firecracker as game is delayed for 40 MINUTES over safety fears for players Marseille's home defeat to Lille was marred by controversy over a firecracker Thrown from the stands, the referee suspended play for 40 minutes due to fears Player safety was at risk on a day where Mario Balotelli made his Marseille debut Marseille's mood got worse as Nicolas Pepe's brace ensured Lille were winners
By Press Association Sport Staff
Published: 23:24 GMT, 25 January 2019 | Updated: 23:30 GMT, 25 January 2019
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Lille won 2-1 at Marseille in a match delayed for around 40 minutes after a firecracker was thrown on to the pitch.
Lille, second in the Ligue 1 table, were leading 1-0 through Nicolas Pepe's penalty in first-half injury time when the object landed on the playing area in the 56th minute.
It exploded just in front of Marseille players Kevin Strootman and Jordan Amavi, who both seemed visibly shaken by the incident.