Netherlands coach, Ronald Koeman, has insisted that the use of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) really breaks football.
Koeman was reacting to the controversial penalty that referee Felix Zwayer gave England against the Netherlands during his side’s Euro 2024 semi-final 2-1 defeat on Tuesday.
Recall that Harry Kane scored the penalty for England in the 18th minute after Denzel Dumfries’ block was referred to VAR.
The Bayern Munich striker was caught on the follow-through by Dumfries after he had already shot over the bar.
No penalty was given originally, but referee Zwayer then pointed to the spot after he was advised to go to the monitor by VAR.
Kane levelled with the spot-kick and substitute Ollie Watkins scored a late 90th-minute winner to send the Three Lions to Sunday’s final, where they will face Spain.
“In my opinion, it should not have been a penalty,” said Koeman at his post-match interview.
“He kicked the ball, and the boots touched. I think that we cannot play proper football and this is due to VAR. It really breaks football.”
Euro 2024: VAR breaks football – Netherlands coach, Koeman laments after England defeat
