France’s World Cup warm-up clash stopped as referee left needing medical attention after collision with star

France’s World Cup warm-up against the Ivory Coast was brought to a halt after referee Sebastian Gishamer copped an almighty whack.

As Ghislian Konan looked to move the ball inside from the left, Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie attempted to make himself an option.

ESPN Vivo

ESPN Vivo

Instead, Kessie ended up shoulder-charging Gishamer, who immediately tumbled to the turf.

Gis ain’t good

The impact left Gishamer in serious strife, so much so he required on-field medical attention.

Even French superstar Kylian Mbappe pitched in to help Gishamer as he applied an ice pack to the official, who looked a little worse for wear.

A stretcher was then brought out for Gishamer, but thankfully he was back on his feet.

Given the impact of Kessie’s hit on Gishamer, the contest was stopped for a handful of minutes so that the official could recover.

The incident occurred near the end of the first half at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes as France look to head into the World Cup on a high.

Ray of sunshine

Didier Deschamps’ side went into the break with a 1-0 lead courtesy of a stunning strike from Rayan Cherki.

The Manchester City star initially let fly from the edge of the box, but Ivory Coast gloveman Yahia Fofana kept his effort out.

However, Michael Olise managed to latch onto the rebound on the left, as he dinked a cross towards the back post.

The visitors struggled to clear their lines as the ball eventually fell to Cherki once again.

AFP

This time the electric winger would slam home, ripping a powerful right-footed strike past Fofana after some fancy footwork to free up space inside Ivory Coast’s 18-yard box.

However, the visitors scored an equaliser via Guela Doue in the 53rd minute.

Manchester United’s Amad Diallo netted Ivory Coast’s second in the 84th minute to secure a 2-1 win.

Thursday’s friendly marked crucial hit-outs for both nations ahead of the World Cup, which begins on June 11.

France go into this year’s tournaments as one of the favourites given they won the 2018 World Cup and reached the final four years later.

Deschamps’ side were drawn into Group I, where they face Senegal, Iraq and Norway.

As for the Ivory Coast, this year’s iteration of the World Cup is their first appearance at the tournament since 2014.

They will be hopeful of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in history, having exited in the group stage in 2006, 2010 and 2014.

The Ivory Coast are in Group E alongside Ecuador, Curacao and four-time winners Germany.