Holding France midfielder Paul Pogba from behind, Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger appeared to open his mouth and lightly bite his opponent’s back.

Pogba said the German “nibbled” on him, and Rüdiger said he regrets doing it.

The incident happened Tuesday toward the end of the first half during France’s 1-0 win at the European Championship.

“I shouldn’t go like that with my mouth to his back — no question — it looks unfortunate,” Rüdiger said Wednesday. “Paul and I spoke very amicably after the final whistle, and he confirmed to me and then again in an interview that it wasn’t a bite, like one or other outsiders said at first.”

The Germany defender had said before the game that his team would need to be “disgusting” to beat the World Cup champions.