Barthez fights with supporter

NANTES – Former France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez was involved in a fight with a supporter after his Nantes side moved closer to relegation with a 2-0 home defeat by Stade Rennes on Saturday, witnesses said.

Barthez was apparently insulted by an angry Nantes fan as he was driving out of the Beaujoire stadium. The former world and European champion got out of his car and the two men started trading punches.Security staff moved in to separate them.Neither Barthez nor the club were available for comment.Eight-times champions Nantes are on the verge of being relegated for the first time.Nantes, who have spent a record 44 consecutive years in the top flight since being promoted in 1963, are now eight points from safety at the foot of the table with four matches left.Barthez came out of retirement in mid-December to help Nantes in their bid to escape relegation.Nampa-ReutersThe former world and European champion got out of his car and the two men started trading punches.Security staff moved in to separate them.Neither Barthez nor the club were available for comment.Eight-times champions Nantes are on the verge of being relegated for the first time.Nantes, who have spent a record 44 consecutive years in the top flight since being promoted in 1963, are now eight points from safety at the foot of the table with four matches left.Barthez came out of retirement in mid-December to help Nantes in their bid to escape relegation.Nampa-Reuters