Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has voiced strong criticism of the video assistant referees (VAR), accusing the technology of "breaking football" after a controversial penalty decision in the Euro 2024 semi-final against England.
The Netherlands initially led with a powerful strike from Xavi Simons, but England was awarded a contentious penalty in the tense match on Tuesday. The incident occurred when England captain Harry Kane was caught by Denzel Dumfries on the follow-through after Kane had already missed the target.
Initially, no penalty was given. However, after VAR review, referee Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot. Kane equalized with the penalty, and substitute Ollie Watkins scored a 90th-minute winner, sending England to the final against Spain on Sunday.
"In my opinion, it should not have been a penalty," Koeman stated. "He kicked the ball and the boots touched. I think that we cannot play properly football and this is due to VAR. It really breaks football."
Former England defender and ITV pundit Gary Neville supported the Dutch viewpoint. "As a defender, I think it's an absolutely disgraceful decision," Neville remarked. "There's no way that was a penalty. He just goes in naturally to block the shot. It's not a penalty for me."
Ex-England striker Alan Shearer shared his perspective on BBC Radio 5 live: "There is no doubt that there is contact, but the defender [Dumfries] is trying to block the ball. The follow-through from Harry Kane makes the connection and I didn't think it was a howler to be turned over."
Netherlands and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also believed the penalty decision was pivotal. "I think the penalty moment is a big moment, England had some confidence out of it," he commented. "I think so many decisions didn't go our way, but I don't want to speak about the referee."
The Dutch team's early advantage through Simons' goal was ultimately undone by the late VAR-influenced decisions, altering the course of the match and leading to England's progression to the Euro 2024 final.
