MUNICH: France’s football star Paul Pogba removed a beer bottle placed in front of him during the post-match press conference after the team’s victory against Germany.
The midfielder is the second player to do so in the ongoing Euro 2020 tournament. Pogba is a devout Muslim and is known to avoid alcohol due to religious injunctions. However, he made no remarks and continued with his press conference.
Earlier, Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo removed Coca-Cola bottles placed in front of him during a press conference and encouraged everyone to drink water instead.
Ronaldo moved the two drinks on display out of view as he sat down to take questions from the media. He then picked up a bottle of water — saying, “Water!” — seemingly encouraging people to drink that instead.
Then after France’s 1-0 victory against Germany, Pogba, who was named man of the match, removed a bottle Heineken beer that was placed in front of him.
Pogba said on Twitter in 2017 that he does not drink alcohol. Both Heineken and Coca-Cola are official sponsors of Euro 2020.
Coca-Cola said it would not be commenting on Ronaldo’s removal of the bottles and pointed towards a statement from UEFA, European football’s governing body.
“Coca-Cola offers a range of drinks to suit different tastes and needs, which are available to players throughout the tournament,” said UEFA’s statement.
“This includes waters, isotonic sports drinks and juices, coffee and tea, as well as Coca-Cola. Players are offered water, alongside Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, on arrival at our press conferences and
In a statement, Heineken said they respect everyone’s decision when it comes to their beverage of choice.
First Ronaldo with the Coca-Cola…
Now Paul Pogba wasn’t happy with the Heineken in front of him at his press conference ????❌ pic.twitter.com/SU1ifQPGOP
— Goal (@goal) June 16, 2021
