Griedge Mbock escorted from pitch by security in PSG cup win
Paris Saint-Germain defender Griedge Mbock was involved in a highly unusual incident during her side's Coupe de France Feminine semi-final victory over Paris FC on Sunday, being escorted from the pitch by a security official after receiving a red card. The match, which was not televised, saw PSG qualify for the final with a 2-1 win, but the post-dismissal scene involving the French international became the major talking point.
Mbock was shown a straight red card for a professional foul, illegally halting a breakaway by Paris FC's Anaële Le Moguédec. According to multiple reports from the stadium, the defender did not immediately leave the field of play following the dismissal. Instead, a security agent entered the pitch to physically escort Mbock the approximately 30 meters from the penalty area to the tunnel, ensuring her departure.
The 29-year-old centre-back, a mainstay for both club and country, will now face a suspension that will rule her out of the upcoming cup final. Her dismissal forced PSG to play the remainder of the derby a player down, though they managed to secure their place in the final thanks to a penalty from Romée Leuchter after an earlier own goal had leveled the score.
Griedge Mbock has been a key figure for PSG since joining from Olympique Lyonnais in 2022, bringing significant experience and a winning mentality to the defense. Her career, which includes multiple Champions League and domestic titles with Lyon, has been largely defined by disciplined and commanding performances, making Sunday's incident particularly out of character.
The nature of the exit raises questions about protocol, though neither club has officially commented on the security intervention. In typical circumstances, a dismissed player is expected to leave the field promptly and unaided, with fourth officials and match delegates overseeing the process. The decision to involve stadium security suggests match officials felt it was necessary to ensure order and the swift resumption of play.
For PSG, the victory keeps them on course for a domestic cup double, as they also lead the Division 1 Féminine. However, Mbock's suspension is a significant blow to their defensive options for the final. The incident, while bizarre, does not detract from the team's achievement in winning a tense semi-final under difficult circumstances, but it will undoubtedly be a focal point of discussion in the aftermath.
