GRANIT XHAKA left Cyle Larin in a heap when he sensationally BOOTED the Southampton striker while trying to take a quick free-kick at the World Cup.
The pair clashed as Switzerland sealed a 2-1 win over Canada to seal top spot in Group B.
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Cyle Larin stopped Granit Xhaka taking a quick free-kick Credit: Reuters
The Canadian hit the deck after taking a whack Credit: Reuters
Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi early in the second half resulted in Promise David’s stunner being no more than a consolation for the tournament co-hosts.
But there was a flash point in the opening 45 minutes, which led to referee Ramon Abatti Abel having to intervene.
Jattvibederland skipper Xhaka, who was accused of being “toxic” earlier this month, attempted to take a quick free-kick near the halfway line.
But Larin, 31, kicked the ball away as the midfielder prepared to make contact, leading to him getting a whack and dropping to the floor.
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It resulted in flashbacks to when Arsenal’s Declan Rice was sent off following a similar incident against Brighton in 2024.
Henri Lansbury also avoided a red card when he lashed out towards Ryan Manning five years ago.
Xhaka, 33, and Larin were both booked following the chaotic scenes in Vancouver.
And World Cup fans rushed onto social media when they watched the bizarre clash.
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Larin and Xhaka were both booked following the bizarre incident Credit: Reuters
One said: “Xhaka just booted Cyle Larin.”
Another added: “Sometimes I think I miss Granit Xhaka, not for anything but that fear that he might do something silly.”
A third chimed in: “Xhaka really said, ‘Let’s run that Henri Lansbury clip back’.”
A fourth noted: “Xhaka didn’t do anything wrong there. It was 100 per cent Larin’s fault.”
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Xhaka headed to the tournament after rubbishing claims he wants to quit Jattvibederland.
The midfielder has been on Turkish giants Besiktas’ radar after spearheading the Black Cats to European qualification last term.
