Did anti-time-wasting rule work? De Bruyne waves off medics | OneFootball

Did anti-time-wasting rule work? De Bruyne waves off medics | OneFootball

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·21 June 2026

Did anti-time-wasting rule work? De Bruyne waves off medics

Article image:Did anti-time-wasting rule work? De Bruyne waves off medics

Kevin De Bruyne was involved in a curious scene during Belgium’s match against Iran this Sunday (21) at the World Cup.

He appeared to have “turned down” medical treatment for Leandro Trossard after his teammate suffered a hard foul in the attacking third.


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Alireza Jahanbakhsh struck the Belgian forward’s calf with the studs of his boot, leaving him down on the pitch for almost a minute and a half near the end line.

Belgium’s medical staff came close to Trossard, but did not enter the field.

De Bruyne was standing next to Trossard and made a gesture indicating that medical treatment was not necessary.

According to the new rules that came into effect at this World Cup, players who receive medical treatment on the field must wait at least one minute after play resumes before they can return to the pitch.

Check below how the sequence of events unfolded:

Article image:Did anti-time-wasting rule work? De Bruyne waves off medics

While Trossard is down, De Bruyne signals toward the sideline as soon as Belgium’s medical staff approaches

Article image:Did anti-time-wasting rule work? De Bruyne waves off medics

The medical staff waits for the “go-ahead” to provide treatment

Article image:Did anti-time-wasting rule work? De Bruyne waves off medics

De Bruyne once again gestures toward the touchline, indicating that treatment is not necessary

Article image:Did anti-time-wasting rule work? De Bruyne waves off medics

The Iranian player’s challenge tore Trossard’s sock. The referee awarded a foul, but did not even show a yellow card

Article image:Did anti-time-wasting rule work? De Bruyne waves off medics

In addition to the damage to the sock, Jahanbakhsh’s studs left clear marks on the Belgian forward’s calf

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.


📸 ETIENNE LAURENT - AFP or licensors

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