Former Manchester United defender, Gary Neville has hit out at referee, Felix Zwayer’s decision to award England a penalty against the Netherlands during both teams’ Euro 2024 semi-final clash on Wednesday night.
Neville branded the decision as ‘absolutely disgraceful’, insisting that it was not a penalty.
Recall that Xavi Simons had put Netherlands ahead during the encounter, but England were handed a controversial spot kick when Harry Kane hit the deck before the 20-minute mark.
The Bayern Munich attacker had already skied his effort when he was clipped by Denzel Dumfries, who was booked for his role in the goal, which was awarded after a VAR check.
Referee Zwayer had originally awarded the goal kick, but changed his mind after a check with the technology.
Kane then converted the penalty to restore parity before Ollie Watkins scored a late goal to ensure the Three Lions defeated the Dutch team 2-1.
“As a defender, I think it’s an absolutely disgraceful decision,” Neville said on ITV.
“There’s no way that was a penalty. He just goes in naturally to block the shot. It’s not a penalty for me.”
Euro 2024: Absolutely disgraceful decision – Gary Neville on referee awarding England penalty against Netherlands