Antoine Griezmann bloodied after almost getting head booted off - but opposition still appeal

 Antoine Griezmann required five minutes of treatment after being kicked in the head by a Greece defender during a Euro 2024 qualifier

Antoine Griezmann was left a bloodied mess after being fouled for one of the most obvious penalties you will see - but that didn’t stop Greece players protesting against the decision.

The Euro 2024 qualifier at the Stade de France was locked at 0-0 early in the second half when Griezmann tried to get on the end of a cross from the left.

However, before the ball could reach the striker, he was met with a flying boot from former Arsenal defender Dinos Mavropanos, who struck the Atletico Madrid man in the temple, leaving blood pouring from his head.

Before taking action, respected Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz hastily beckoned the France medical staff onto the pitch so Griezmann could receive treatment. Once he’d done that, the official then had to take action against Mavropanos.

Before he did so, he was incredibly harangued by Greece players, who appeared to be appealing against the decision. Undeterred, Lahoz marched over to Mavropanos to brandish a yellow card, with the now Stuttgart defender accepting the decision. In fact, he could count himself fortunate not to have been shown a red.

The game was held up for five minutes as Griezmann received treatment for his head wound. After being patched up, he was deemed fit to continue before being subbed four minutes from the end of normal time. Lahoz did show a red card later in the half, dismissing Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Antoine Griezmann is booted in the head by Dinos Mavropanos (Image: Viaplay)

Antoine Griezmann after being booted in the head (Image: Viaplay)

Kylian Mbappe's penalty was actually saved, only for it to be retaken after encroachment. His second attempt was converted and it proved to be the only goal of the game. Lahoz went on to play an incredible 14 minutes of added time due to various stoppages.

The win continued France’s perfect record, with Greece, Ireland and the Netherlands battling over the second automatic qualification place for next summer’s tournament in Germany.