De Bruyne erupts at referee over new one-minute rule in Belgium–France

The midfielder received medical treatment on the pitch and was forced to leave it under the regulation. He reacted in harsh tones before returning to play.

Tensions flared during the Belgium–France clash, where the new rule introduced at the start of the season to avoid time-wasting infuriated midfielder Kevin De Bruyne beyond measure. He reacted harshly toward the referee.

Early in the second half, after being struck hard in the face by the ball during a duel with defender Lacroix, De Bruyne received medical assistance. Under the new rule, the Belgian had to leave the field of play and wait 60 seconds outside the lines before re-entering.

Enraged by the rule and visibly frustrated at being forced off, De Bruyne turned to the Belgium bench, unleashing a torrent of harsh words at the referee. After a minute, he was cleared to continue playing.

Belgium lost 0–1 to France in this match, with a late goal from Olise. A goal that also prompted an epic reaction from coach Zinedine Zidane.