BARTHEZ TAKES THE P*SS

Last updated : 02 May 2006 By Ed

From Reuters:

Olympique Marseille goalkeeper Fabien Barthez says he missed Saturday's French Cup final medals ceremony because he had to go and answer the call of nature.

The France keeper did not show up to collect his medal for the runners-up after Marseille lost 2-1 to arch-rivals Paris St Germain in the final at the Stade de France.

"After the match I was dying to go, so I went to the locker room," Barthez said in comments posted on his club's website.

"There, I met (Marseille officials) Jose Anigo and Louis Acaries and we talked. When I went to collect my medal, I bumped into my team mates who were coming back (from the ceremony).

"It all went very quickly. I have no problems whatsoever with the Federation or the League."

Barthez, competing with Olympique Lyon's Gregory Coupet for the number one spot in France's World Cup squad, was suspended for six months last year for spitting at a referee.