'Absolute disgrace': Fans rage over 'disgusting' moment at Euro 2020
Controversy rocked the opening game of the Euro 2020 knockout stages on Saturday when Harry Wilson was shown a straight red card in Wales' 4-0 loss to Denmark.
Kasper Dolberg scored in each half while Joakim Maehle and Martin Braithwaite also got in on the act late as Denmark overpowered Wales to reach the quarter-finals.
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Dolberg, making his first start of the tournament in Amsterdam on Saturday, gave his side the lead with a fine individual goal in the 27th minute, curling into the top corner from outside the area.
He doubled Denmark's advantage early in the second half, ruthlessly pouncing on a loose ball after Wales failed to clear a cross following a galloping run down the right wing from Dolberg's strike partner Martin Braithwaite.
Harry Wilson Red Card. Dismissed for Violent Conduct? That's my take.https://t.co/1KoUCtrFKT
— The Referee Forum (@TheRefereeForum) June 26, 2021
Wales' frustrations spilled over when Wilson was sent off for a wild tackle on Maehle in added time, not long after he'd come onto the ground.
Opinion was heavily divided over whether or not Wilson deserved a straight red, with many condemning the "disgraceful" and "disgusting" challenge.
Harry Wilson, absolute disgrace😳
— Kenny L55 (@kdy1303) June 26, 2021
I'm interested to know what exactly a #WAL player needs to do for one of their pundits to admit they deserved to be sent off. Absolute disgrace of a tackle by Harry Wilson #EURO2020
— Matt Wright (@MattyWright86) June 26, 2021
Absolutely disgusting from Harry Wilson, glad they’re out.
— Joe Kidd (@_JoeKidd) June 26, 2021
*Not a Red Card* But I absolutely detest that from Harry Wilson. Very immature players do that when they're losing, its a disgusting trait to have. Putting in late tackles that could injury someone to 'appear' like your tough and CARE for you country. #WALDEN
— JOC (@jocoutfits) June 26, 2021
Gareth Bale was so, so poor this afternoon. Harry Wilson's challenge was disgusting. Gutted for Wales.
— Zach (@OfficialZed) June 26, 2021
that is a disgusting foul harry wilson shud be banned
— the beeknd (@bazzacoot1) June 26, 2021
Dolberg had not started any of Denmark's games in the group stage but was brought into the line-up by coach Kasper Hjulmand and delivered in style at the ground where he made his name with Ajax.
"We dreamed about this and at the end of the day I think we also believed we could get here," said the striker.
"We have a lot of great players. It is hard to say we expected to be here but we are happy to be through to the quarter-finals."
Ajax is also where Christian Eriksen made his name and banners around the ground carried the name of the playmaker who is still recovering from the cardiac arrest he suffered during the Danes' opening game against Finland in Copenhagen.
"Johan Cruyff is one of my great inspirations and this was also Christian's first home after leaving Denmark," Hjulmand said.
"I would have loved for him to be here.
"I am really grateful for all the Danes who came down here. I am grateful for all the support we keep receiving. It is crazy."
Italy survive Austria scare in extra time
Meanwhile, substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina scored in extra time to help Italy beat Austria 2-1.
Italy also set a team record of 31 matches unbeaten.
Chiesa scored in the fifth minute of extra time and Pessina added the second in the 105th minute.
Sasa Kalajdzic reduced the deficit with a header in the 114th.
Italy will play either defending champion Portugal or Belgium in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals in Munich on Friday.
with agencies
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