Fans shocked as footage of Kylian Mbappe’s ‘classless’ celebration against Belgium emerges during France’s Euro 2024 win
KYLIAN MBAPPE was labelled “classless” for taunting Jan Vertonghen over his own-goal woe – after the duo clashed earlier in France’s 1-0 win over Belgium.
Mbappe celebrated Euro 2024 last-16 victory over Belgium by racing over to have the final word with the ex-Spurs defender.
Trouble between the two had first flared midway through the second half of a tie that rarely lived up to high expectations.
Mbappe tumbled in the box under a challenge from Vertonghen and appeared furious with the 37-year-old’s response.
The Anderlecht centre-back had sneaked out a leg from behind and got the ball just before the Real Madrid new boy tried to turn.
Mbappe went crashing down but Vertonghen seemed to reckon the ex-PSG striker’s fall was a little late, a little too theatrical.
In turn, the hitman was unhappy with whatever words were swapped and continued to verbally snap at his rival as they walked away.
Referee Glenn Nyberg intervened to cool the situation.
But for Vertonghen things only got worse in a scrappy contest.
And if he was in the right place for his tackle on Mbappe, he was in the wrong position later for the defining moment of the match.
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It was Vertonghen who deflected a late French winner into his own goal, following a fierce shot from Randal Kolo Muani.
He stuck out a knee as Kolo Muani fired in a left-footer – and the resulting ricochet wrong-footed Belgian No1 Koen Casteels for the only goal.
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But fans on social media demanded to know if Uefa will “investigate” Mbappe for then appearing to mock Vertonghen.
The 25-year-old chose to run over to the ex-Prem ace first before joining his team-mates rejoicing behind the goal.
One viewer posted: “That’s embarrassing. Unprofessional, especially from the captain.”
Other online verdicts included: “No need” and “stay classy”.
The icon’s action was also compared to controversial behaviour from fellow superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Jude Bellingham earlier in the tournament.
Ronaldo, 39, pumped his fist towards Czech Republic stopper Jindrich Stanek and shouted in the ear of midfielder Petr Sevcik as Portugal completed a 2-1 comeback win in their group opener.
And Uefa are investigating Bellingham for appearing to make a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after his wonder goal sparked England’s dramatic 2-1 triumph in the last 16 on Sunday.