A controversial victory for England
In the early morning of July 11, Beijing time, the semifinals of the European Cup staged an unforgettable scene. England beat Netherlands 2-1 in the final minute of the game thanks to a stunning strike from substitute Ollie Watkins to reach the final.
However, under the aura of victory, there is a shadow of controversy. England's equaliser penalty in this game sparked huge controversy. After the game, many people said that the Netherlands team lost too unjustly, and the Netherlands coach questioned the penalty decision. From Dumfries' contact with Kane to Bukayo Saka's handball before his shot, the chain of events ignited a heated public and media debate.
Analysis of the main points of contention
The Netherlands were ahead and the situation on the pitch was extremely favourable for them. However, a controversial decision changed the course of the game. In the 18th minute, England's Saka shot in the box was saved, and then Kane's follow-up shot Dumfries intercepted but hit Kane's foot, and after VAR intervened, Germany referee Zweil reviewed the video and awarded a penalty.
The decision was in focus, and at first the focus was on Kane's contact with Dumfries, with the general belief that a pedaling was certainly not enough at this point of contact, and that at most it could only be a dangerous move. But now look at the slow-motion footage: Saka's handball behaviour was evident before Kane's shot. Although the foul was clearly shown on the spot and on television, the referee and VAR ignored it, leading directly to the penalty. This decision immediately caused widespread controversy and discussion around the world.
At this point, the truth is revealed! Speaking after the game, Dumfries said: "I haven't seen this before, if the hand touches it, it's handball, and if that's the case, there shouldn't be a penalty after that. "Then this penalty is such a loss for Netherlands!
VAR vs. referee decision-making
In modern football, VAR systems are designed to provide referees with a more accurate basis for their decisions. However, in this crucial semi-final, the utility of the VAR system was questioned. Despite the obvious handball behaviour of Saka in the replay, the final decision of VAR and the referee to tolerate the obvious foul and award a penalty not only affected the fairness of the game, but also called into question the professionalism of the refereeing team. In the eyes of a global audience, such inconsistencies in referee decisions and possible errors exposed flaws in the operation of the system. This has to make people think about the scale of the penalty or whether it is intentional?
Social and expert responses
After the game, not only Netherlands fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the referee's decision, but the global football community also had a lively discussion about the controversial decision. Football commentators and experts, including Gary · Neville, have questioned the rationality of the penalty, arguing that the decision is a detriment to the fairness of the game! The controversial decision by the Netherlands added to their defeat.
Referee decisions have a profound impact on the game
The referee's decision greatly affects the outcome of the game and the efforts of the athletes, and whether it is fair or not is directly related to the spirit of the game and the image of football. Therefore, improving the transparency and accuracy of referee decision-making and ensuring the effective application of each technical assistance is an indispensable part of the development of football. Globally, we need to work harder to ensure that the game is fair and that football is truly a fair game.
Are you saying that the referee's decision is controversial? That's definitely there, you said fouls? Of course, it's also a foul! And the most important thing about this premise is that Saka handball was awarded first, but regrets have been produced after all, and the ending of the story has been decided, maybe the charm of football lies in this, full of controversy and regret! I have to say that England is really hard-hitting!