In an unexpected turn of events during the EURO 2024 opener between France and Austria, Kylian Mbappe found himself receiving a yellow card while seated on the sidelines. The incident occurred following a collision with Austria’s Kevin Danso in the 85th minute, which left Mbappe injured and bleeding from a facial injury.
After being attended to by medical staff and briefly leaving the pitch, Mbappe returned on his own accord in the 90th minute, sitting down on the grass with his face in his hands. Despite efforts by France’s coach Didier Deschamps to explain the situation to referee Gil Manzano, Mbappe was issued a yellow card.
According to Fox Soccer, Mbappe was cautioned because he re-entered the field without the referee’s permission. Under IFAB rules (International Football Association Board), any player who is bleeding must leave the field and can only return with the referee’s approval after the bleeding has stopped.
The sequence of events led to criticism from pundits and former players. Roy Keane, a former Manchester United player, expressed his disapproval of Mbappe’s actions, stating, “Mbappe was injured and came back onto the field almost like he was going to play, but then he sat down on the pitch. I don’t like that. It’s not right. Mbappe deserved the yellow card.”
Despite the controversy, France managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Austria in their EURO 2024 group stage match. The lone goal of the game came from an own goal by Maximilian Wober.
Kylian Mbappe, a key figure for the French national team, had a subdued performance in their tournament opener. His situation and the subsequent yellow card have sparked discussions about fair play and player conduct on the field.
As EURO 2024 progresses, Mbappe’s incident will likely remain a topic of debate among fans and analysts, highlighting the complexities and controversies that often accompany high-stakes international tournaments.
Conclusion:
The incident involving Mbappe at EURO 2024 not only impacted the match against Austria but also raised questions about sportsmanship and the enforcement of rules during competitive football. As France continues their campaign in the tournament, all eyes will be on Mbappe’s performance and how this incident influences his and the team’s journey in the competition.
