Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman had some harsh words regarding video assistant referee (VAR) following his team’s Euro 2024 loss against England. The main point of contention in the match came as Koeman’s side had an early 1-0 lead. Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries attempted to block a shot by England striker Harry Kane in the 17th minute.
While the ball flew well over the crossbar, Kane immediately went down writhing in pain after making contact with Dumfries. Match referee Felix Zwayer initially denied the penalty claims on the pitch. Replays, however, showed that the Dutchman’s foot did make contact with the English forward. As a result, VAR officials intervened and asked Zwayer to take another look at the incident on the pitchside monitor.
The referee then reversed his on-field decision and awarded England with a penalty. Kane miraculously recovered following the big call, stepped up, and converted the spot kick. England eventually scored the winning goal late in the game from second-half substitute Ollie Watkins. The Three Lions will next face Spain on Sunday, July 14th for the European title.
Dutch coach and captain both left frustrated over controversial call
Although Dumfries and Kane connected cleats in the aforementioned play, VAR’s decision to intervene has been widely criticized. Not only was the reversal highly controversial, but a replay from a different angle also suggested that Bukayo Saka controlled the ball with his arm before Kane took the shot. VAR officials somehow overlooked the potential infraction.
After the disappointing defeat, Koeman voiced his concerns regarding the technology. “I didn’t think it was a penalty,” the coach told reporters during a press conference. “This was really another decision by the VAR. What should you do as a defender? Denzel tries to block the ball and Kane shoots and then hits Dumfries’ shoe with his shoe. Football is really destroyed by such decisions by a video…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-euro/koeman-claims-var-is-destroying-the-game-after-england-defeat/
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-07-11 17:20:01
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