'What a joke': Football world rages as 'disgraceful' moment rocks Euro 2020
The Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark was rocked after a controversial penalty helped decide the game.
Denmark took the lead in enemy territory after Mikkel Damsgaard scored a wonder free kick, the first direct free kick goal of the tournament, to silence the fans in Wembley.
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But, only a few moments later, England pressed and a beautiful Harry Kane pass put Bukayo Saka behind the defence.
Saka squared the ball towards Raheem Sterling before Danish defender Simon Kjær turned the ball into his own net.
England piled on the pressure as Denmark made numerous substitutions to try and energise the weary legs.
But, much like the Italy and Spain match a day earlier, the game went into extra-time.
The Three Lions were relentless as Denmark looked for brief moments to counter after being pegged back.
Then in the 102 minute, Sterling went for a weaving run in the Danish penalty area.
However, after evading two defenders Sterling went down under what appeared to be minimal contact.
The referee awarded the penalty to a thunderous applause in the stadium.
Replays quickly showed Sterling had gone down under the most minimal contact and also appeared to be on his way down as the challenge was made.
However, VAR didn't deem the referee's decision was wrong or an obvious error so the penalty stood.
Fans rage over England penalty at Euro 2020
But the drama didn't end there.
England captain stepped up, but his initial effort was saved from Kasper Schmeichel.
Kane was alert to the save and subsequently followed it up with a routine finish to put England ahead and ultimately into the Euro 2020 final.
England probably deserve to be ahead but that’s an absolutely disgraceful penalty decision. Blood sweat and tears from every Danish player and there’s someone in a room in their jocks looking back at that for VAR that thinks that’s a pen.#Itsdivinghome #englandvdenmark #DENENG pic.twitter.com/UhGWn5fmw9
— Rambo! (@_rambo2op__) July 7, 2021
England getting a soft penalty call at Wembley. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/6LBRVoFPdS
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 7, 2021
Wow.
Wow.
The Dane's have been robbed.#EURO2020— JAKE BUCKLEY 🇦🇺 (@TheMasterBucks) July 7, 2021
What a joke. #Eng #Den #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/KcwN9xRfY1
— Nick (@nickwolff__) July 7, 2021
VAR is shocking. Sterling is already falling down and there's no touch at all and you give it a penalty.
I must say VAR is bull**it#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/XFOiRUtwqC— Rameez Ali (@iamra_0) July 7, 2021
Soft penalty but “clear and obvious” gives the ref an out to not overturn the call. #ENG #EURO2020 https://t.co/5FYsZJL1j8
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 7, 2021
My word that was a bad pen but WHO CARES!!!!
C'mon England, so close! #EURO2020— Alex McCarthy (@AlexM_talkSPORT) July 7, 2021
I know a dive when I see one!!! #Sterling #EURO2020
— Alejandro Moreno (@AleMorenoESPN) July 7, 2021
While many thought the penalty was 'unfair', others claimed it was rightfully awarded.
There are two points of contact to foul Sterling in the same move. Either of them could have been called a penalty. Both, made the referee's job easier. pic.twitter.com/GBMSmQANlR
— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) July 7, 2021
England will now face Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium.
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