Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman expressed strong disapproval of the video assistant referees (VAR) system, accusing it of “breaking football” after a controversial penalty decision in England’s favor during the Euro 2024 semi-final on Wednesday.
The Dutch team initially led with a powerful goal from Xavi Simons. However, England was given a chance to equalize when Harry Kane was fouled by Denzel Dumfries after missing a shot.
Initially, no penalty was awarded, but referee Felix Zwayer, upon advice from the VAR, reviewed the incident on the monitor and subsequently pointed to the spot.
Kane successfully converted the penalty, and substitute Ollie Watkins scored a decisive goal in the 90th minute, securing England’s spot in 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 and this is due to VAR. It really breaks football.”
Former England defender and ITV pundit Gary Neville felt the Netherlands had every right to feel aggrieved.
“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 said 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 felt the penalty decision was the turning point in the game.
“I think the penalty moment is a big moment, England had some confidence out of it,” he added.
“I think so many decisions didn’t go our way, but I don’t want to speak about the referee.”