Gulf News

KEEPER SUBBED BEFORE KICK-OFF

- —I.M.

Football fans were left baffled ahead of the Belgium versus Morocco Fifa World Cup Group F clash at Al Thumama stadium yesterday as Morocco’s goalkeeper was substitute­d before kick-off – despite lining up for the national anthem.

Yassine Bounou, who plays for Sevilla in La Liga, was named in the starting 11 to face the Red Devils and he lined up with his team-mates as the North Africans sang their national anthem.

He was then seen shaking hands with the Belgium players as usual but was then substitute­d for Munir Mohand Mohammadi El Kajoui.

There was a short delay to kick off as the replacemen­t, wearing the number 12 jersey, took his place in goal with no sign of Bounou. After the national anthem Bounou went to speak to his manager Walid Regragui and indicated he had an issue with his eyes and was then substitute­d, which explains the confusion and last-minute switch.

 ?? Reuters ?? Morocco’s Yassine Bounou leaves the pitch as he is removed from the starting line-up before the match.
Reuters Morocco’s Yassine Bounou leaves the pitch as he is removed from the starting line-up before the match.

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