World Cup: France defender Jules Kounde forced to remove necklace during match

France defender Jules Kounde was bizarrely told to remove his necklace midway through their World Cup last 16 match with Poland, which left French coach Didier Deschamps distinctly unimpressed.

Despite rules to the contrary, the Barcelona right-back had worn the chains up until the 41st minute when match officials spotted the items around the Frenchman’s neck.

According to the laws of the game, 'all items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not permitted.'

Read More: Gary Lineker hits back at Piers Morgan over Lionel Messi claim

Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela Saez’s fellow official, linesman Tulio Moreno, finally stopped Kounde when he attempted to take a throw-in. Play was halted and a French assistant team member came over to unhook the jewellery clasps.

“Kounde wearing jewellery confirms by beliefs that France are unprepared for this tournament,” joked one viewer.

Another on social media commented: “Kounde bringing Sunday league jewellery to the World Cup my goat.”

Deschamps said after his side's victory: "He has no right. I don’t know what he has on his chain, I know that Jules has a bit of a superstition, he has it in training.

"I don’t know the meaning. I even told him, ‘You’re lucky you’re not in front of me, or else…’.

"The referee had told us that as soon as there was a stoppage in play… players are not allowed to wear a bracelet or a necklace. They’re not going to start wearing watches or sunglasses either."

Team-mate Olivier Giroud became France's all-time leading goalscorer as France ran out 3-1 winners over Poland.

Star man Kylian Mbappe set up a history-making goal for Giroud and then scored two brilliant goals himself as holders France moved into the World Cup quarter-finals.

Read More: Political demonstrations' cost teams in Qatar, says Arsene Wenger

Giroud’s opening goal just before half-time was his 52nd for his country, as he surpassed Thierry Henry.

Kounde had returned to France’s starting line up after being rested in their defeat to Cameroon on Wednesday.

Watch: Wenger says teams play better when ignoring politics