The Chelsea defender clashed with the Manchester United midfielder near half-time in an incident that generated plenty of controversy
France star Paul Pogba has said he forgives Germany defender Antonio Rudiger for nibbling at his back during Tuesday’s Euro 2020 match and does not want his friend to be suspended.
The two players came together near the end of the first half, with replays showing the Chelsea man putting his face close to Pogba’s back before reaching his arms around his chest.
Pogba protested to the referee but there was no call on the field, nor was there a VAR review.
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What was said?
“We’re friends,” Pogba said. “This was nothing big. I think you saw the TV pictures, this is all over, this belongs to the past.
“I’m not crying for yellow or red cards for such actions. He nibbled, I think, a little bit on me.
“We’ve known each other for a long time.
“I felt it, I told the referee, he takes the decisions and he took the decision. He hasn’t received any card and I think it’s better like this. I don’t want him to be suspended because of this.”
Reaction to Pogba-Rudiger incident
The incident generated plenty of reaction on social media, with more than a few people bringing up another man involved in past biting incidents, Luis Suarez.
Rudiger bit Pogba, no?
how did he get away with that 😂😂
— NepentheZ (@NepentheZ) June 15, 2021
Interesting first half for Tony Rudiger: Helps out Green Peace activist who crash landed into stadium and then accused of biting/nibbling Pogba
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) June 15, 2021
Rudiger bit Pogba’s shoulder like they were halfway through a netflix show and it was getting late in the night
— Zito (@_Zeets) June 15, 2021
On ITV at half-time, former France star Patrick Vieira said: “When you see Pogba’s reaction, it felt like a bite. I don’t see what Rudiger was doing there.” Roy Keane replied: “It was more of a nibble than a bite.”
Further reading
-
Parachuting protestor nearly crashes into fans ahead of France v Germany match
-
Mbappe insists Giroud spat is already ‘forgotten’
-
I was expected to be the new Ronaldo – Havertz
