The Sin Bin

The stage is set for 'Le Choc!' - or 'The Shock' - at the Stade Mayol later this month © Getty Images

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Sin Bin: Cantona stars as Toulon lose out to Marseille

French side Toulon have long had their own way of doing things - a fact underlined by their pre-season preparations.

The Heineken Cup holders are set to tackle their sporting neighbours Olympic Marseille in a half rugby-half football clash at the Stade Mayol on July 17 - in the name of a local cancer charity.

The match, organised by former Marseille goalkeeper and co-founder of the Un sourire, un espoir pour la Vie charity Pascal Olmeta, will see former Manchester United star Eric Cantona referee the football half and ex-France coach Marc Lievremont take charge of the rugby in the second half.

At this stage, it is unclear whether Marseille midfielder and rugby fan Joey Barton will grace the fixture. The outspoken former Manchester City, Newcastle and QPR player has often spoken of his admiration of the oval ball game but confusion over his immediate future in the south of France make him a doubt for the fixture.

Toulon were edged out for the Top 14 crown at the end of the last season while Marseille finished runners-up to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and it is highly unlikely this match will provide either side with an extra edge for the new campaign but is sure to entertain - click here to get your tickets.

Just written a little blog about my visit to RC Toulon and rugby/football cultural differences on and off the pitch... http://t.co/Z4fpA9o8

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 9, 2012