Even before the semi-final, the refereeing was a big issue. After England's 2:1 win against the Netherlands, Felix Zwayer was criticized - from both sides.
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- A penalty whistle by referee Felix Zwayer causes discussion after the European Championship semi-final between the Netherlands and England.
- Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk criticized his quick departure at the end of the game. The German referee also came off badly with former players.
Dutch national coach Ronald Koeman has criticized the German refereeing team led by Felix Zwayer and video assistant Bastian Dankert for their penalty decision in the 2-1 defeat against England in the European Championship semi-final. "What can you do as a defender? I don't think there should have been a penalty," said Koeman. "It just breaks football."
Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries had tried to block a shot from Harry Kane in the penalty area, but hit the striker hard on the foot. After viewing the video footage, Zwayer awarded a penalty, which Kane himself converted in the 18th minute to make it 1:1.
Koeman: "Not the reason for our defeat"
However, Koeman did not want to blame the referees. "That's not the reason for our defeat," said the 61-year-old Bonds coach. "They scored a second goal and that was the reason for our defeat." Ollie Watkins had scored the winner for England in the first minute of stoppage time.
Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk was more severe in his criticism of Zwayer. "The fact that he runs straight into the dressing room says it all," said Van Dijk. Specifically, he criticized Zwayer's game management in the final minutes. Regarding the penalty, the defensive boss said on Magenta TV: "I wouldn't have given the penalty. But in the end, the VAR intervened - and we have to accept that."
Dumfries said: "There is contact with Kane, so you know that the referee can give the penalty. I take responsibility for that. You do everything you can to prevent a goal, but then something like that happens. That really sucks." Kane on the scene: "My foot is pushed down, so he definitely caught me."
Criticism from England too
Zwayer's decision was viewed skeptically in England before the match. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Jude Bellingham had heavily criticized the now 43-year-old after a defeat against FC Bayern.
Former Dutch international Pierre van Hooijdonk sharply criticized Zwayer in his role as TV pundit and called for the 43-year-old German to be put on a "blacklist". "We can go on and on about it, but if you give a penalty kick for it, there could be eight penalties like that in the final. Really terrible," emphasized the 54-year-old. Zwayer also made the wrong decision in other scenes, criticized the former footballer: "These are moments that were decisive in this game."
The penalty decision also did not sit well with some British experts, although it was in favor of the Three Lions. Former international Gary Neville called the whistle a "disgrace" and added: "A scandalous decision. For a penalty like that to be given, no matter when, and certainly not in such an important game. Of course he goes in and tries to block the shot. That's never a penalty."
Former international defender Jamie Carragher also joined in. He wrote on X: "Never a penalty." Zwayer had initially decided against a penalty in the game and corrected this decision after viewing the video footage.
