The controversial penalty that brought England to the historic European Championship finals divides the opinions of fans and experts.
Denmark's coach Kasper Hjulmand has clearly criticized the penalty decision at the European Championship on Wednesday in London. “We're very disappointed, it's hard for me to talk about it. Maybe I'll be able to say that better in a few days,” said the 49-year-old after the 2-1 win against England in the semi-finals of the European Championship. “That it will be decided that way – I've read the international press – it was a penalty that shouldn't have been given, that annoys me. We are very disappointed.”
England's Raheem Sterling fell in the penalty area in the first half of extra time. Referee Danny Makkelie saw a foul by Joakim Maehle and decided on a penalty. Video assistant Pol van Boekel checked the scene but did not intervene. Star striker Harry Kane converted in the margin (104th). “I don't think it was a penalty,” said Hjulmand. “If so, it had nothing to do with Maehle. We don't know who should have committed the foul.”
The “VAR output” was an even better angle – but this will have to do. Sterling's right leg clipped by # 5 Maehle (not the 2nd Dane) His right leg collects Sterling's right leg just below knee height. The defender knows he's made the mistake too. #whoops #penalty #ENGDEN pic.twitter.com/0ehbr5hDnL
– Brenton Speed (@BrentonSpeed) July 7, 2021
Sterling: “Clear penalty”
The fouled was sure of it. “It was definitely a penalty,” said Sterling. “I went into the box, he stretched his leg and it was a clear penalty.”
The scene not only split the opinions of the two teams involved on the field, but also on the internet. A lively discussion broke out on social media as to whether the penalty was to be awarded or not. Former soccer stars also got involved in the debate.
“Not sure if it was a penalty, but who cares,” said former England international Michael Owen on Twitter.
There we go !!!!
Not sure it was a pen but who cares🏴🏴😝😝
– michael owen (@themichaelowen) July 7, 2021
Gary Lineker did not comment specifically on the controversial 911 situation, but described the English mood quite well. “Football: There is nothing like it. One minute it tears you apart, the other it shoots you into orbit.”
Football: there's nothing like it. One minute it rips you apart, the next it sends you into orbit.
– Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) July 7, 2021
“Referee won't sleep well”
It is of course also clear that the English are not entirely objective here. The joy about the first-time finals at a European Championship finals is too great. Portugal's star coach Jose Mourinho saw it differently at TalkSport: “It's never a penalty for me. At this level, a semi-final at the EM, I don't really understand the referee's decision. (…) I say how I see it and I don't think the referee will sleep well. “
The two-time Champions League winner is not alone with this opinion. But on the contrary. Former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger also found clear words at BeIN Sports : “No penalty. In moments like these I don't understand why the video assistant doesn't ask the referee to watch it. (…) I think that the video assistant failed the referee, not Denmark. “
“No penalty, I don't understand why VAR has asked the referee to look at it!”
Arsene Wenger has had his say on that England penalty … # beINEURO2020 #ENGDEN # EURO2020
Watch Now – https://t.co/RRmQgctETJ pic.twitter.com/cYiv030Aw4
– beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) July 7, 2021
As debatable as the English penalty and the associated winning goal was, it is undisputed that the Southgate-Elf deserved the success. England were the better team for long stretches and had clearly better chances, especially in extra time. In the end, the team won't care. You are in the final and fight there on Sunday evening (9 p.m., in the KURIER live ticker ) against Italy for the title.
