Nantes MASCOT stretchered off after being rugby tackled by Ligue 1 rival as costume’s head flies off

NANTES' mascot left the pitch on a stretcher during last night's Derby Breton.

And he later departed Roazhon Park feeling worse for wear after being rugby tackled by his Rennes counterpart.

In footage capture by home broadcaster Prime Video, the Nantes mascot was brutally tackled to the ground.

The force of the challenge even caused Le Canari's head to fly off.

Medics on hand couldn't hide their smirks at the bizarre scene as they stretchered the Nantes mascot off.

Things went from bad to worse for Nantes as they fell to defeat in the fierce derby.

Rennes star Benjamin Bourigeaud gave his side the lead from the penalty spot on just six minutes.

Nantes levelled on the stroke of half time when Pedro Chirivella slotted past Steve Mandanda following effective pressing.

The visitors' goalkeeper Alban Lafont then had a moment to forget on 73 minutes, allowing Desire Doue's tame shot to squirm beneath him and in.

Nantes felt that the ball had gone out of play during the build-up, but the goal was given following a VAR check.

Rennes then extended their advantage deep into stoppage time, with Arnaud Kalimuendo slotting home their second spot kick of the match.

Their win saw the unbeaten home side rise to sixth in the Ligue 1 table.

Nantes, meanwhile, dropped to 13th.