EAGLE-EYED fans noticed the moment Kevin de Bruyne stopped his team-mates from acknowledging supporters amid a chorus of boos.
De Bruyne's Belgium were held to a bore 0-0 draw against Ukraine to finish second in their group.
But despite qualifying, Belgium fans made their feelings known by booing the players at full-time.
Some of De Bruyne's team-mates went over to thank fans for their support but the Manchester City star was spotted telling them to retreat.
The moment was picked up by fans online as one said: "THIS IS SAD."
I starred at the World Cup and almost beat France - now I'm homeless in London
Another added: "After their performance wonder what did he expect. At least should have addressed them or shown good leadership."
One said: "They’re booing for a reason."
But another argued: "He did the right thing."
Belgium now face 2018 World Cup winners France in the last 16 - and De Bruyne wants fans back on side.
He said: “We just need them, I don’t know what else to say. We will need them against France.
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"We needed them in the last three games so that is it.”
Belgium progress into the next round with a win and draw in the group following their shock opening loss to Slovakia.
