FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps was RAGING with defender Jules Kounde after he was forced to remove a GOLD NECKLACE during their 3-1 win over Poland.
The 24-year-old began the match with the jewellery on and it was visible to those watching on TV, with many flagging it on social media.
But the officials did not pick up on it until just a few minutes before the end of the first half.
When it was eventually flagged to them in the 42nd minute, referee Valenzuela Saez ordered him to take it off.
The Barcelona man proceeded to do so with the help of one of the French coaching staff.
But France boss Deschamps was not happy with his player during the post-match press conference.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
When asked about the matter, he said: “He has no right. I don’t know what he has on his chain, I know that Jules has a bit of a superstition, he has it in training.
“I don’t know the meaning. I even told him – ‘You’re lucky you’re not in front of me, or else…’.
“The referee had told us that as soon as there was a stoppage in play… players are not allowed to wear a bracelet or a necklace. They’re not going to start wearing watches or sunglasses either.
“It’s not allowed. I thought he was taking it off but apparently that wasn’t the case.”
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
Kounde’s necklace removal came after a drab 40 minutes from France as Poland stifled them and had chances of their own.
But shortly before the break the reigning world champions did find a way through.
And it was a record-breaking goal to boot as Olivier Giroud became his country’s all-time top scorer.
The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea man now has an international tally of 52, one more than fellow former Gunners star Thierry Henry.
Kylian Mbappe then bagged a second half brace before Poland managed a consolation as Robert Lewandowski converted a late penalty.
France’s victory sealed their place in the last-eight of the World Cup for a third successive time.
If they do retain the trophy, they will become just the third team to do so after Italy and Brazil.
And they would be the first to do so since Pele and Co achieved the feat in 1962.
Deschamps men are scheduled to meet England in the quarter-finals if Gareth Southgate’s side can beat Senegal on Sunday evening.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
