Table of Contents
- Legendary Marseille goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is a hard man to forget as far as the biggest football controversies are concerned
- The Marseille goalkeeper shocked the world in April 2004 when Marseille was playing against Inter Milan in a UEFA cup match
- He answered a call of nature in the pitch without so much care and this incident only came to light in 2007
Legendary Marseille goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is a hard man to forget as far as the biggest football controversies are concerned.
In April 2004, the Marseille goalkeeper shocked the world after casually relieving himself for a short call in the pitch. It was during a UEFA Cup Quarter Finals encounter between Marseille and Inter Milan at Marseille’s Velodrome stadium.
This stadium then had 60,000 people in attendance for this match. Surprisingly, no card was given. In fact, many of the spectators in the stadium missed this action as Marseille players were busy tackling Inter Milan. The incident came to view later since there was no VAR at the time.
Barthez answered a call of nature on the pitch. Photo/ YouTube.
Fabien Barthez Marseille Incident
On the night of April 8, 2004, the air crackled with anticipation at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. Marseille, with their goalkeeper Barthez guarding their goal, were locked in a tense 1-1 draw against Italian giants Inter Milan in the second leg of their UEFA Cup quarter-final.
The stakes were high, and the atmosphere electric. It was amidst this charged atmosphere that Barthez, in a moment of questionable judgment, decided to relieve himself.
While the ball was in play at the other end of the field, the French goalkeeper discreetly urinated on the pitch, oblivious to the watchful eyes of the cameras.
The incident remained shrouded in secrecy until 2007, when former Arsenal star and teammate Robert Pires revealed the truth on a French radio show. Pires’ revelation sparked a media frenzy, with news outlets across the globe reporting on Barthez’s controversial act.
Did Barthez Ever Apologize?
Barthez, known for his flamboyant personality and eccentric on-field antics, never publicly apologized for the incident. While acknowledging it was not his finest moment, he often speaks about it with a lighthearted touch, even joking about it in interviews.
Fabien Barthez. Photo/ French Football Weekly.
The motives behind Barthez’s actions remain open to interpretation. Some speculate that he was truly caught short, while others believe he deliberately relieved himself on the pitch for convenience.
When Did Barthez Retire?
After hanging his gloves in 2007, Barthez surprised the world by pursuing a new passion – motorsport. This unexpected career shift saw the French icon trade the football pitch for high-octane racetracks.
Barthez’s journey in the fast lane began in 2008, participating in various championships like the Porsche Carrera Cup France and the FFSA GT Championship. His commitment and talent shone through, leading him to co-found the Panis-Barthez Competition team in 2016.
The pinnacle of his racing career came with three adrenaline-fueled participations in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans (2014, 2016, and 2020). These grueling endurance races cemented his place as a respected competitor in the world of motorsport.
Despite retiring from professional football, Barthez remains connected to the sport through his karting track in Brignoles, France. He also enjoys a vibrant social media presence, sharing glimpses of his racing career, personal life, and other interests with his fans on Instagram (@fabienbarthez_16).
Fabien Barthez remarkable transition from football star to racing champion serves as an inspiring example of dedication and pursuit of passion. He continues to be an influential figure, both on and off the track, proving that age is no barrier to achieving new dreams.
Fabien Barthez. Photo/ Planet Football.
Conclusion
Regardless of the reason, the incident has cemented itself as one of the most bizarre moments in football history. Years after the incident, Barthez’s on-field urination continues to be a topic of discussion and amusement. What surprises many people is that he never spoke about this incident thereafter. It remained hushed for three years and when it finally came out, he was non-committal about it.
Apart from Marseille, Barthez also had spells at other top clubs such as Manchester United, Monaco, Nantes and Toulouse. The now 54-year-old was part of Manchester United’s squad that won the English Premier League titles in 2001 and 2003. He also represented the France national team and won the FIFA World Cup in 1998.
