Jules Kounde had to be instructed to remove his necklace in a bizarre moment during Sunday’s World Cup clash between France and Poland.
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FIFA rules prohibit players from wearing jewellery and referees are supposed to ensure that all such items have been removed ahead of the kick-off.
But, Kounde managed to play almost the entire first half of the last-16 clash before the linesman spotted he was wearing a necklace and demanded he remove it in the 41st minute.
The Barcelona defender was about to take a throw-in midway into the Poland half when his gold necklace, which had been visible throughout the game, was spotted by the match official. But, Kounde could not take it off himself and had to enlist the help of a member of the France coaching staff to assist him.
The former Sevilla star is a natural centre-back but is lining up on the right of defence at the World Cup, so he was entrusted with throw-in responsibilities on his wing.
Moments after Kounde was instructed to take off his necklace, reigning world champions France took the lead through Olivier Giroud.
The AC Milan star slotted past Wojciech Szczesny from Kylian Mbappe’s pass to become the Les Bleus’ all-time record goalscorer. France dominated the entire first half and Giroud had a good chance to open the scoring when he arrived at the back post but poked wide.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was on punditry duty for BBC Sport and hailed ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker Giroud as a player he “hated” coming up against during his time managing in England.
“Always I hate Giroud in the past because of Arsenal and Chelsea,” Pochettino said. “He was a player you face and you know was capable of everything. It’s massive. It’s a player we as centre-backs hated because he’s a killer. Inside the box, it’s difficult because he’s big, clever, so smart.”
