A catastrophic error costs Turkey dearly against France

The red card reduced Turkey's chances of finding an equaliser

Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir was sent off against France on Friday during the hosts' 1-0 defeat, in the first round of the UEFA Nations League group stage.

Kylian Mbappe had put France ahead in the 54th minute, and Turkey were chasing an equaliser when a long ball sent Liverpool forward Bradley Barcola clean through, one-on-one with Cakir. The goalkeeper raced out of his penalty area and blocked the Frenchman's shot with his hand. A clear foul.

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Play waved on, the referee only acted when VAR called him over for a review. He returned to the pitch and brandished a straight red card in the 87th minute, all but ending Turkey's hopes of a comeback.

France and Turkey sit in Group One of League A, alongside Italy and Belgium.

Belgium got their campaign under way on Friday with a 2-0 win over hosts Italy.