Barthez leaves Nantes after fight with supporter

NANTES, France, Apr 29 (Reuters) Former France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez left Nantes today, a day after getting into a fight with a supporter after the club moved closer to relegation with a 2-0 home defeat by Stade Rennes.

Barthez left his Nantes home in his car with his children for an unknown destination. It was not clear whether he had left for a few days or for good.

''It is a possibility'', Nantes president Rudi Roussillon told reporters when asked whether he feared Barthez might not return.

Roussillon said five drunken fans had blocked Barthez's car as he was driving out of the Beaujoire stadium. They kicked the car and banged on the windscreen and one fan tried to open the car door, the Nantes president said.

The former world and European champion then got out of his car and started trading punches with one of the fans. Security staff moved in to separate them.

''Fabien is in a state of shock,'' Roussillon said. ''He has been deeply affected by this assault. This is not acting. He can't cheat.'' 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. The bald-headed 35-year-old has, however, committed some embarrassing blunders reminiscent of his worst days at Manchester United.

He has also stirred controversy, notably after conceding a clumsy goal in a 1-0 defeat at home to lowly Sedan earlier this month. After being substituted with an injury, he left the stadium without waiting for the end of the game.

REUTERS JS BST2345