France striker Nicolas Anelka launched a verbal attack on coach Raymond Domenech during half-time of Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Mexico, according to reports.

The Chelsea forward, who has now not recorded a shot on target in 429 consecutive minutes' play for Les Bleus, was apparently criticised by Domenech for straying out of position during the first half.

According to L'Equipe, Anelka exploded in rage in the dressing room, verbally abusing the coach. Domenech returned to the team's dug-out for the second half a minute or so before his players came out of the tunnel and Anelka was replaced by Andre-Pierre Gignac before the re-start.