New role for disgraced Barthez

DISGRACED French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has been handed a list of duties to carry out in the grass roots football community as part of his punishment for spitting on an assistant referee.

Barthez, 33, was suspended for spitting on Moroccan referee Abdellah El Achiri during a friendly between Wydad Casablanca and his club Marseille last February. An initial three-month ban was doubled last week, sidelining him until October 15 and will be extended until December 31 if Barthez refuses to do community work.

Barthez’ duties include attending a referees’ day, taking part in a women’s football project and taking charge of the children’s section at a gala football day.