Antonio Rudiger Accused Of Biting Paul Pogba During European Championship Clash Between France And Germany

Germany centre-back Antonio Rudiger has been accused of trying to take "a nibble" out of France midfielder Paul Pogba during their European Championship opener in Group F on Tuesday night.

In a bizarre scene towards the end of the half at the Allianz Arena in Germany, many think Rudiger tried to sink his teeth into the France midfielder as they tussled for possession.

Pogba complained to the referee about a possible bite but no further action was taken. You can see the quite remarkable footage below.

ITV pundits Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira discussed the bizarre incident at half-time, with the former Manchester United midfielder saying: "I think it was more of a nibble, wasn't it, than a bite? A silly thing to do."

Vieira, meanwhile, noted the scream from Pogba when Rudiger made contact. "When you see the Pogba reaction, he felt like a bite," he said. "I do not understand what he was trying to do that."

Do you think Pogba has a point here? Should the referee have taken action?

Pogba, who was once again a big influence for Didier Deschamps' side in their clash against Germany, was a big topic of debate in the ITV studios ahead of kick-off.

Roy Keane believes he can still produce more at club level for Manchester United.

"Listen we keep talking about Paul Pogba," Keane said. "There's no doubt he's a talented boy. I still want more from him, particularly when he's playing for Manchester United.

"No doubt he's surrounded by probably better players and he's more comfortable in that environment with the French team. He plays on the left side and slots in.

"A talented player. But for me, I want more, particularly for Manchester United. But he'll still have an impact in this competition."

Vieira responded by suggesting he may feel more at ease in France's system as Pogba is given more freedom to go forward, with N'Golo Kante protecting the back four.

"There's a question about the performance he has with Manchester United - the ones he has for the French national team are much much better.

"I think maybe the system; maybe he feels more comfortable in the French system than in Manchester.

"Obviously he's a leader and an important player. When he's in Manchester he has to take responsibility as well."

Topics: Paul Pogba, Football, Antonio Rudiger, Germany, France

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_