Didier Deschamps Slammed For 'Disrespectful' Hugo Ekitike Act During France Game

France manager Didier Deschamps has been criticised for what he did to Hugo Ekitike during Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Iceland.

Deschamps' side defeated Iceland 2-1 at the Parc des Princes to take one step closer towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

New Blackburn signing Andri Gudjohnsen - the son of Chelsea icon Eidur - gave Iceland a surprise lead on 21 minutes.

But goals either side of half-time from Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola secured victory for Les Bleus.

France are in a four-team qualifying group, meaning they will only play four games over the course of their campaign.

Two wins from two means they are already assured of at least a play-off spot in a group that also contains Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

🇫🇷⚡️ Assist by Aurelien Tchouameni (25), finish by Kylian Mbappe (26). 🤩🤝 pic.twitter.com/7LVHFsY5Zu

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 9, 2025

In the 96th minute of the match, Deschamps brought on Liverpool striker Ekitike to see the game out and provide a focal point up front.

As it happened, Ekitike didn't get the opportunity to have a kick of the ball before the full-time whistle was blown.

The 22-year-old has been given his first two France caps during the international break after a long wait to be called up by Deschamps, who leaves his role at the end of the 2026 World Cup.

But some fans have instead decided to criticise Deschamps for giving him that second cap in Paris.

One wrote: "Very disrespectful."

A second said: "Can't wait til he leaves."

And a third added: "I would've refused to come on."

But other fans had a different view, with one asking: "Is this really news? People get subbed on late in games all the time."

And a second agreed: "Still counts as a cap. That's now two caps for Hugo from his first ever call-up to the senior team."

While a third added: "Good game management to be honest. Just unfortunate it was Ekitike that was the sacrificial sub."