TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Pogba plays down Ruediger 'bite' at Euro 2020
Television replays showed Chelsea defender Ruediger putting his mouth on Pogba's shoulder just before half-time in France's 1-0 win over Germany in Munich on Tuesday.
Change Size
France's midfielder Paul Pogba (L) speaks with Germany's defender Antonio Ruediger during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group F football match between France and Germany at the Allianz Arena in Munich on June 15, 2021.
(AFP/Matthias Schrader / POOL )
F
rance midfielder Paul Pogba has played down Antonio Ruediger's apparent attempted bite on his back during the world champions' Euro 2020 win over Germany.
Television replays showed Chelsea defender Ruediger putting his mouth on Pogba's shoulder just before half-time in France's 1-0 win over Germany in Munich on Tuesday.
Immediately after the incident, Pogba cried out and complained to Spanish referee Carlos del Cerro Grande, who did not punish the German, and the Manchester United star played it down after the game.
"I think he nibbled at me a little bit, but we've known each other for a long time. Toni and I are friends. It was nothing big. We hugged after the game and it's over," Pogba said.
Pogba, the man of the match in Munich, said it was "better" that Ruediger escaped punishment.
"I don't want him to be suspended because of that," said the Frenchman, who played a key role in the build-up to Mats Hummels' ultimately decisive own goal.
Pogba said he told the referee what happened but was glad there was no "yellow or red card for such an incident".
In the build-up to the match, Champions League winner Ruediger had said the Germans would need to "be a little dirty" against the French.
