Fans claim ‘English refs have struck again’ as Germany goal is controversially disallowed by Michael Oliver

GERMANY were controversially denied an early goal during their Euro 2024 round of 16 clash by English referee Michael Oliver.

Nico Schlotterbeck rose to head home Toni Kroos’ fourth minute corner, only for Oliver to blow up for a supposed foul by Joshua Kimmich.

Schlotterbeck, 24, wheeled away in celebration, with pandemonium in the stands.

Oliver broke German hearts, however, by adjudging Kimmich to have blocked off Alexander Skov Olsen, who has been trying to chase Schlotterbeck.

Many fans slated the decision, taking to social media to vent.

One fumed: “English refs ruining games as always.”

While a second moaned: “These English refs absolutely stink, this competition has made it very apparent to everyone else.”

A third posted: “England’s squad and the English refs seemingly having a competition to see who can stink up this tournament the most.”

Another added: “I see Michael Oliver is already trending less then 5 minutes into the game. The English refs never fail to disappoint, do they?”

In the 36th minute, Oliver was forced to take players off due to extreme weather.

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Host city Dortmund was hit by a storm, with torrential rain, thunder and lightning.

Oliver allowed play to continue for around five minutes after the storm began, before stopping following complaints from players that it was not safe to continue.

Earlier in the week, weather experts warned of a potential tornado.

Meteorologist Dominik Jung told Bild: “From Saturday evening and into the night on Sunday, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms from the south west and west to the middle of Germany.

“These could bring extremely heavy rain, with amounts of between 40 and 80 litres per square meter within a few hours.

“Large hail with a diameter of around 3 cm is also expected, as are strong storm or hurricane gusts with speeds of between 100 and 140 km/h.

“Tornadoes cannot be ruled out either.”

After a few minutes of waiting by the dugouts, players were taken back inside.

Denmark went on to feel aggrieved in the second half, when Joachim Andersen had a goal disallowed for offside following a VAR check.

Things then went from bad to worse for Andersen moments later, when he conceded a penalty for handball following another VAR check.

Kai Havertz then converted the spot kick to put Germany into a controversial lead.

Jamal Musiala then doubled his side’s lead 15 minutes later, with the hosts going on to win 2-0.

Earlier in the tournament, Anthony Taylor and his team of officials were criticised for disallowing Xavi Simons’ strike during Holland’s 0-0 draw with France.

He adjudged Denzel Dumfries to have interfered with play from an offside position, despite the ball whizzing in way out of Mike Maignan’s reach.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk