'GET HIM A STATUE'
Just ONE lonely away fan takes on 598-mile round trip to watch third-tier side and is treated to win in 9-goal thriller
Supporters online are stunned by the solo traveller's dedication and demand his club rewards him
A MAN made a 598-mile round trip to discover he was his team's only fan - but joyously also found the joy of six.
The lonely Le Mans supporter was rewarded for his loyalty with a 6-3 win at promotion rivals Nancy in Friday's 6.30pm French third-tier clash.
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Fans online urged his club to build a statue for their most dedicated follower - or at least give him a free season-ticket next season!
In a picture online, the man is seen waving encouragement from a stand - having draped a team banner over railings in front of him for company.
Football lovers also noted a security guard standing just a few yards from him - seemingly impervious to the strange situation.
But despite his chat-free night of watching, the solo fan will be delighted with another singular stat.
His team scored six times more goals than they had supporters!
Even better, victory lifted Le Mans over Nancy to fourth in the semi-professional National League, which sits below Ligue 1 and 2.
One observer responded to the photo by posting: "Get him a statue."
Another wrote: "Should be a season ticket holder for free next season."
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A third claimed: "He really is Le Man."
A fourth said: "I love the way he's even hung a little banner over as well."
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And other fans joked about the only person anywhere near him with comments like: "And a security guy to keep him in check."
Many supporters pointed out how costly the trip might have been.
France's expensive tolls mean driving from Le Mans could set you back about £80 in petrol plus £40 in road fees.
A train ticket is likely to cost around £75, although by coach it's nearer £40.
One fan added another twist on how committed the lone Le Mans supporter was.
He posted: "National 1 is probably the worst division to be in as an away supporter. Matchdays there are always on Friday evenings, early evenings at that too, really doesn't lend itself to match-goers."