Didier Deschamps will stop his France players from wearing jewellery in Saturday’s World Cup quarterfinal against England after saying Jules Kounde was “very lucky” to escape his anger for being told to remove a gold necklace during Sunday’s 3-1 win against Poland.
Barcelona defender Kounde was forced off the pitch in the 43rd minute of the Round of 16 tie at Al Thumama after referee Jesus Valenzuela spotted the full-back’s gold chain on the outside of his shirt.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
One of Deschamps’ assistants had to remove Kounde’s necklace while the player attempted to take a throw-in with the 24-year-old unable to take it off himself.
And although the incident didn’t impact on France’s progression to the last eight, Deschamps said there will not be a repeat of his players wearing jewellery on the pitch.
