Marseille hit back by crushing Toulouse

PARIS, Oct 1 (Reuters) Olympique Marseille hit back from their humiliating UEFA Cup first-round exit by crushing Toulouse 3-0 today to hold on to second place in Ligue 1.

The former European champions, who exited the UEFA Cup on Thursday with a 4-3 defeat on aggregate by Czech side Mlada Boleslav, stay three points behind leaders Olympique Lyon.

Champions Lyon, chasing a sixth successive title, won 1-0 at Sochaux yesterday and top the standings on 22 points from a maximum 24 after eight games.

Being without suspended playmaker Franck Ribery did not stop Marseille from shining.

Samir Nasri, 19, who deputised for Ribery, confirmed he was a top prospect by orchestrating play with authority.

The first half was tight until Nigeria defender Taye Taiwo and forward Habib Bamogo scored in quick succession just before the break.

Albania midfielder Lorik Cana wrapped it up for Marseille three minutes into the second half.

To protest against a French ban on advertising for gambling, the Toulouse players wore the slogan ''???.com, censored'' on their shirts during the game.

It replaced the name of Toulouse's shirt sponsors, online casino and poker firm 888.com.

The French Professional Football League (LFP) on Friday banned its clubs from advertising any form of gambling and online betting.

Gambling is a state monopoly in France and online betting firms are banned from seeking clients on French territory.

Surprise package Nancy, who knocked 1997 champions Schalke 04 of Germany out of the UEFA Cup on Thursday, extended their brilliant start to the season by beating Racing Lens 2-1 to move into third, seven points off the pace.

REUTERS SY PM0014