Antonio Rudiger Denies He Bit Paul Pogba During Euro 2020 Clash

Antonio Rudiger has denied that he bit Paul Pogba, after the France midfielder claimed the Germany defender had a 'nibble' during their Euro 2020 clash.

Pogba was at the centre of pretty much everything good that France did, as they beat Germany in their Euro opener on Tuesday night.

The Manchester United midfielder helped create the only goal of the game and also played two fantastic passes for goals that were denied by tight offside calls, with his personal highlights package showing how good he was.

The 28-year-old was also in the headlines when it appeared that Rudiger, whilst marking him closely, may have gone all Luis Suarez and taken a bite out of the former Juventus star.

Pogba had claimed he was 'nibbled' during the incident, but the Chelsea centre back has now denied that he did anything wrong.

"I should not come close with my mouth to his back, no doubt about it. It looks unfortunate," the German said after the match.

Pogba and Rudiger were clearly on speaking terms at full time. Image: PA Images

"Paul and I have talked about it as friends after the final whistle.

"And he stated in our little talk and talking to the press that it was no bite, as some viewers first thought it was. Even during the match, the ref told me that he would have punished me if he thought that it was violent conduct."

There are some similarities to what Pogba said about the incident, although the France player certainly seemed to suggest there was more to it.

After the game, the former Juve player, who has been linked with a move back to Turin as part of swap with Cristiano Ronaldo, claimed he was still friends with Rudiger but did say he'd been nibbled.

"We're friends. This was nothing big. I think you saw the TV pictures, this is all over, this belongs to the past, I'm not crying for yellow or red cards for such actions," Pogba said.

Pogba wasn't happy at the time though. Image: PA Images

"He nibbled, I think, a little bit on me.

"We've known each other for a long time. I felt it, I told the referee, he takes the decisions and he took the decision. He hasn't received any card and I think it's better like this.

"I don't want him to be suspended because of this."

Topics: Paul Pogba, Chelsea, Football, Manchester United, Euro 2020, Antonio Rudiger, Germany, France

Ryan Sidle

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