Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has criticized the use of video assistant referees (VAR) for “breaking football” following England’s controversial penalty in the Euro 2024 semi-final on Tuesday.
The Dutch team initially led through Xavi Simons’ powerful strike. However, England was awarded a contentious penalty after Harry Kane was fouled by Denzel Dumfries following Kane’s missed shot. The initial decision not to award a penalty was overturned by referee Felix Zwayer after a VAR review.
Kane equalized from the penalty spot, and substitute Ollie Watkins scored a 90th-minute winner, sending England to Sunday’s final against Spain.
“In my opinion, it should not have been a penalty,” said Koeman. “He kicked the ball and the boots touched. I think that we cannot play properly football and this is due to VAR. It really breaks football.”
Former England defender and ITV pundit Gary Neville expressed sympathy for the Netherlands. “As a defender, I think it’s an absolutely disgraceful decision,” he said. “There’s no way that was a penalty. He just goes in naturally to block the shot. It’s not a penalty for me.”
Ex-England striker Alan Shearer commented on BBC Radio 5 live: “There is no doubt that there is contact, but the defender [Dumfries] is trying to block the ball. The follow-through from Harry Kane makes the connection and I didn’t think it was a howler to be turned over.”
Netherlands and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also noted the penalty decision’s impact. “I think the penalty moment is a big moment, England had some confidence out of it,” he said. “I think so many decisions didn’t go our way, but I don’t want to speak about the referee.”
