Refereeing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans furious after match-fixing-scandal ref slammed by Jude Bellingham chosen for Three Lions’ semi-final

      by

      ENGLAND fans are fuming after a match-fixing scandal ref slammed by Jude Bellingham was chosen for tomorrow’s Euros semi-final.The Three Lions hero, 21, was fined for slating Felix Zwayer after his Borussia Dortmund side lost 3-2 to Bayern Munich in 2021.A referee slammed by Jude Bellingham has been chosen for England’s Euros semi-finalCredit: GettyFelix Zwayer, banned for six months in 2005, will take charge of the Netherlands clashCredit: GettyDortmund’s Bellingham blasting Zwayer in 2021Credit: TwitterGerman Zwayer, banned for six months in 2005 for ­taking a bribe from another ref, will take charge of the Netherlands clash.One fan blasted: “How can he be neutral, and what on earth are Uefa playing at?”But Luke Shaw insisted the choice of official would not affect England’s attitude against the Netherlands.The Manchester United star said: “We have to respect Uefa in whoever they decide to pick as the ref. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That won’t change anything about us. We still just focus on the game in hand, not too much about what refs we’ve been given or this and that. For us, it won’t make any difference.”Superstar Bellingham, then 18, was fined £34,000 for blasting Zwayer.In 2005 Zwayer received a six-month ban for accepting a £250 bribe from another ref, Robert Hoyzer.Bellingham fumed over a penalty not given to his side, while one was awarded to Bayern. He raged: “You can look at a lot of decisions in that game.Most read in Euro 2024“You give a referee that has match-fixed before the biggest game in Germany.“What do you expect?”England’s penalty shoot-out secretsZwayer was in his second year on the officiating list in Germany’s second tier when he was implicated in 2005.He and four other refs exposed Hoyzer’s crooked links to a Croatian gambling syndicate based in Berlin. Hoyzer was jailed and handed a life ban.But Zwayer was also punished after admitting accepting a bribe of £250 from Hoyzer.Zwayer’s shame was kept under wraps by the German authorities and four years later he was promoted to the Bundesliga then on to Fifa’s world refs list in 2012.Tomorrow night he will come face-to-face again with England saviour Bellingham at Dortmund’s 62,000-seat BVB Stadium.After their 2021 spat, Zwayer took a two-month leave of absence before returning to action.Jude was fined £34,000 for slating ZwayerCredit: GettyGerman Zwayer admitted accepting a bribe of £250 from Robert HoyzerCredit: AFPEngland fans last night hit out at his appointment by Uefa bosses.John Millar, a 67-year-old retired council official from Bellingham’s home town of Stourbridge, West Mids, fumed: “This defies logic.“How can a ref who has clashed with our best player over match fixing take charge against Holland.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY“Why is he even allowed to be a ref? How can he be totally neutral and what on earth are Uefa ­playing at?”Prison service worker Richard Wilson, 63, from Teddington, South West London added: “With so many experienced and unbiased refs in the world, why choose this one?“If he was suspended for links to match fixing, you have to ask why he was allowed to be a referee again in the first place. Why let him take charge of such a huge game involving a player fined for criticising him. It’s all going to go horribly wrong.”Uefa were approached for comment over Zwayer’s selection.Meanwhile Shaw, who is back from injury, defended boss Gareth Southgate who has been blasted over England’s negative style of play.Shaw, 28, said: “I don’t really understand the criticism. What he’s done for the country, for us as players . . . he has really taken us to the next level.“No manager has been as successful as him in what he has done recently.“It’s now the semi-final and for me and us as players we love him. He’s exactly what we need.“He always puts the players first and for that we’re able to go out on the pitch and try to be at our best. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Personally I’ve got a lot to thank him for because he showed a lot of faith and trust in picking me when he didn’t have to.“Now I need to repay the faith that he showed in me.”Luke Shaw insisted the choice of official would not affect the Three Lions’ gameCredit: Reuters More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Referee for England vs Holland was banned for match-fixing and has unsavoury history with Jude Bellingham

      by

      UEFA have controversially appointed Felix Zwayer as referee for England vs Holland.The Three Lions face the Dutch in the Euro 2024 semi-final on Wednesday night.Felix Zwayer will take charge of England’s semi-final versus HollandCredit: GettyJude Bellingham has history with the German refereeCredit: GettyWith Zwayer, 43, the man in charge of the clash despite his previous for match-fixing and history with Jude Bellingham.The German official was banned from football for six months back in 2005 due to his involvement in a huge scandal.Zwayer, who then worked as a linesman, accepted a £253 (€300) bribe from ref Robert Hoyzer to help him fix a second division match. The Euros ref was then one of four officials who went to the German FA with concerns over Hoyzer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing an investigation, it emerged he had taken money from a Croatian gambling syndicate connected to an organised crime group to help fix several matches.Hoyzer was banned from football for life and received a two years and five-month prison sentence.After his comeback, Zwayer was promoted to a Bundesliga official in 2009 and he has since been slammed by Bellingham.While playing for Borussia Dortmund, the England midfielder raged following a defeat to Bayern Munich as the Bavarians were awarded a controversial penalty for handball three years ago.Most read in Euro 2024Bellingham said in a post-match interview: “For me it wasn’t a penalty. Hummels is not even looking at the ball and he’s fighting to get it. It hits him, I don’t think he’s looking at the ball.”You can look at a lot of the other decisions in the game.England’s penalty shoot-out secrets”You give a referee that has, you know, match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany – what do you expect?”Bellingham was slapped with a £34,000 fine for his comments – with Dortmund paying the bill for him as many within the club supposedly agreed with his remarks.Privately among players and staff, he was hailed for “having the bottle to speak out”.Zwayer took a month’s break from refereeing after the controversy.Away from the pitch, he has a lucrative side hustle as a real estate manager in Berlin. So far at the Euros, Zwayer has taken charge of Italy vs Albania, Turkey vs Portugal and Romania vs Netherlands. Meanwhile, Slovenian ref Slavko Vincic will be the man with the whistle for the other semi-final between Spain and France.England player ratings: Saka the saviour for Three Lions but subbed Kane stuggles in penalties thriller vs SwitzerlandBUKAYO SAKA showed huge courage as he dug England out of a hole and through on penalties against Switzerland, writes Tom Barclay.The Three Lions looked to be going out when Breel Embolo had put Swiss ahead on 75 minutes.But Arsenal star Saka dragged England back into five minutes later with a stunning effort off the post.To penalties it went – just like it did between these two sides five years ago in the Nations League.And just like back then, Jordan Pickford made a save – repelling the Swiss’s first effort from Manuel Akanji.England were perfect from then on, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellignam, Saka, Ivan Toney and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold sending the Three Lions into the semi-final.Here’s how the players rated…Jordan Pickford: 7Had his heart in his mouth when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner deep into extra-time hit the post and bar, but then pulled off a smart stop to take it to penalties.Saved Manuel Akanji’s first spot-kick by diving low to his left.Kyle Walker: 6Spent most of the game on the right side of a three which meant he could not get forward. Embolo got in front of him for Switzerland’s opener. Won the toss so the penalties were taken in front of the England fans.John Stones: 6Crisper passing in the first half, much better than his sloppy Slovakia display, but his deflection on Dan Ndoye’s cross diverted it to Embolo.Ezri Konsa: 6Was decent in the first half of his maiden start at a major tournament but, like the rest of the team, went into his shell after the break.Kieran Trippier: 6Had been expected to play right wing-back but was once again on the left.Solid defensively but, as has been the case throughout the tournament, offered little going forward on his unnatural side.Declan Rice: 7Anticipated, and subsequently, won a number of 50-50s at the base of England’s midfield.It was his decoy run that opened up the space for Saka to find the corner, before his 25-yard wonderstrike was denied by a flying Yann Sommer save in extra-time.Kobbie Mainoo: 6Some decent drives forward from midfield. Looked as if he would fire home an opener just before the break afterBukayo Saka’s nice cutback, but was denied by Granit Xhaka’s excellent block.Bukayo Saka: 8 and STAR MANDid not play at left wing-back as expected, but was England’s most dangerous attacking player throughout – and none more so when he came to the rescue with his 80th-minute leveller which flew in off the post.Showed huge courage in the shoot-out as he stroked home his penalty beautifully, three years on from missing in the last Euros final.Jude Bellingham: 6Produced a few graceful dribbles which showcased his quality in the first half but pretty quiet.Looked knackered but showed big cojones with his low penalty.Phil Foden: 6Admitted before the game that his central role would suit him better and it seemed to in the first 20 minutes, but faded after that.Harry Kane: 4This system just does not suit him. He needs runners, but does not look like he is going to get them.Just could not get into the game and was subbed out of it in extra-time, seconds after he was sent crashing into his manager on the touchline.SUBSCole Palmer (for Konsa, 78): 7One of three players to come on in reaction to Switzerland’s opener – why did it take so long, Gareth? Dispatched England’s first spot-kick with aplomb.Luke Shaw (for Trippier, 78): 6First minutes of football since February, slotting in on the left side of back three as Southgate went for broke.Eberechi Eze (for Mainoo, 78): 6Carved out a nice bit of space for himself in the dying moments but fired wide.Ivan Toney (For Kane, 109): 7It was no surprise to see him come with the prospect of penalties on the horizon – what was more of a shock was that it was for spot-kick maestro Kane. Was knocked over in the box right at the end of extra-time, but nothing was given. Confident penalty.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Foden, 115): 7Thrown on late into extra-time. Belted home his spot-kick to win it.Gareth Southgate: 4The adjusted back three system worked to a certain extent, but still the approach looked to be to keep it tight and rely on a moment of magic.Saka provided that for the leveller, but given the talent at his disposal, it seemed very limited.Took an age to make a change – prompted only by Switzerland going ahead. But got his subs right when it came to the penalty shoot-out. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Alan Shearer fumes ‘he saved the cross’ as England fans rage at ‘utterly shocking’ referee decision against Switzerland

      by

      ALAN SHEARER led viewers’ disbelief at an “utterly shocking” decision in England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final triumph over Switzerland.Many fans were convinced referee Daniele Orsato missed a “blatant handball” when Remo Freuler flung his arms up at a dangerous cross.Kieran Tripper swung in what looked likely to be a dangerous crossRemo Freuler sparked controversy by raising his arms to block the centreKobbie Mainoo’s impressive run led to the contentious incidentCredit: AFPAnd although it was an improved Three Lions’ display, that 33rd-minute moment was one of the few opportunities of the first half.BBC pundit Shearer questioned how Freuler escaped punishment, with the Beeb commentator even claiming the midfielder “saved the cross”.Fans were stunned that Orsato waved play on – and also that he didn’t call it back for a free-kick when England wasted the loose ball.The controversy came when Kobbie Mainoo burst forward from midfield.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The Manchester United midfielder peaked his run by threading the ball out to Kieran Trippier on the left.The Newcastle wing-back cut back onto his stronger right foot to whip the ball in menacingly.But Freueler, just outside the box, appeared to raise his arms deliberately.England players immediately appealed – but in vain.Most read in Euro 2024Trippier’s cross as diverted by Freuler away from the main danger zoneOrsato was only yards away, although his view appeared to be slightly obscured.”How is this not a handball?” posted one fan and “clear handball,” blasted another.Gareth Southgate explains his new-look England XI against Switzerland after he is forced into changes at Euro 2024However, a few viewers blamed England for blowing what could still have been a promising position.One suggested: “Advantage was given to England and it was outside the box too.”Fortunately for the Three Lions, they made no mistakes themselves… once the contest went to a shootout.Bukayo Saka cancelled out Breel Embolo’s opener, with the Three Lions then winning 5-3 n penalties. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans in meltdown over controversial referee who ‘loves cards more than Moonpig’ in Slovakia clash

      by

      REFEREE Umut Meler booked four players within just 17 minutes of England’s Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia.The Turkish whistler, 37, was the man in the middle for the round of 16 tie.Marc Guehi was the first England player to enter the bookCredit: ReutersKobbie Mainoo was then yellow carded after seven minutesCredit: ReutersJude Bellingham entered the book for a late tackleCredit: AFPHe was quickly in the thick of the action, flashing his yellow card at seemingly every opportunity during the opening exchanges.Marc Guehi was booked in the third minute, being penalised for a foul after having been sold short by a poor pass by Kieran Trippier.Kobbie Mainoo was next to receive a yellow card, after treading on Ondrej Duda.A first Slovakian then entered the book, with former Watford ace Juraj Kucka punished.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The flurry of yellow cards was then complete in the 17th minute, when Jude Bellingham was penalised for a late lunge on Lukas Haraslin.Fans were left stunned by the referee’s card-happy display.One wrote on social media: “This ref loves cards more than Moonpig.”While a second quipped: “This ref has lost the plot lol.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJuraj Kucka was also booked for SlovakiaCredit: AFPA third moaned: “Ref is spamming yellow cards for no reason.”And a fourth whinged: “This ref is terrible, he’s going to ruin this game.”England BOOED off pitch after dire first-half against Slovakia as Euro 2024 hopes hang by a threadAnd another added: “This ref is far too eager to get the yellow card out.”Meler is at Euro 2024 after a tumultuous season at club level.In December he was shockingly attacked on the pitch by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after the board member’s side drew 1-1 with Rizespor.He was later seen looking battered and bruised in hospital, but soon recovered and made a heartwarming return to action.England went on to scrape a 2-1 win against Slovakia.Ivan Schranz had given Slovakia a first half lead, only for Jude Bellingham to equalise deep into stoppage time.Harry Kane’s extra time header then won it for the Three Lions, who will next face Switzerland on Saturday.Milan Skriniar was booked on the stroke of half timeCredit: AFP More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Denmark star Andersen blasts ‘BRAIN DEAD’ Michael Oliver over ‘one of worst refereeing performances’ after Germany loss

      by

      JOACHIM ANDERSEN has blasted “brain dead” Michael Oliver for “one of the worst refereeing performances” he has ever seen.The Denmark defender saw a goal ruled out for the tightest of offsides before, minutes later, conceding an incredibly harsh penalty for handball in the 2-0 defeat to Germany.Joachim Andersen ripped into Stuart Attwell after Denmark’s defeat to GermanyCredit: X / HaytersTVThe Danish defender had a goal disallowed before harshly conceding a penaltyCredit: APThe star blasted ‘brain dead’ Oliver and said it was ‘one of the worst refereeing performances’ he has ever seenCredit: AFPAndersen’s goal, which would have put the Dane’s 1-0 up against the hosts, was chalked off by the semi-automated offside technology with team-mate Thomas Delaney’s toes in an offside position.Minutes later, at the other end, play was pulled back after Uefa’s new “snickometer” and English VAR Stuart Attwell showed that the ball had grazed the Crystal Palace man’s hand from David Raum’s cross and a spot kick was given.Kai Havertz netted for Germany and they did not look back.Andersen raged: “It’s one of the worst refereeing performances I’ve seen in my career.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″Offside is offside, but that you can rule on the ball in such a situation is absolutely crazy.”I had it in a natural position, so no penalty can ever be awarded. They told us that in black and white.”That he then goes out and judges it handball – an English referee even – is completely brain dead.”For me it is never a pen, they come every season to describe the rules for us.Most read in Euro 2024″For two years now that would never be a pen, in the Premier League in the last two years there is not one situation where the referee has given a pen. Horrible decision.”Asked if he had discussed the decision with ref Oliver, Andersen said: “You can’t speak to the ref nowadays.”We must not talk to him. We get fines and red cards.”Just say one little thing and it’s: ‘Boom, yellow card.’ It’s a ridiculous rule.”He can make all the mistakes he wants and we must not say anything.”Of course you react when the referee makes a wrong decision. And I don’t know how many of them he made in this match.”In the Premier League, Oliver would not have been expected to give a spot kick for a similar incident, though Uefa are far more strict when it comes to handball.It is not the first time English refs have been in the spotlight in Germany, however. Attwell and Anthony Taylor were criticised by Uefa for the time taken to make a decision on Xavi Simons’ disallowed goal for Netherlands against France, despite reaching the correct decision.Former Leicester goalkeeper and Denmark captain, Kasper Schmeichel, added: “I’ve played the game for over 20 years I don’t know the handball rules anymore, it is very subjective.”It depends on who the ref or VAR is, it makes it difficult to know what is what.”I am not sure what he is supposed to do with his arm in that situation when you are running and it is hit at you from a yard or so.”I would say that is a natural position when you are running but they thought different.”Brentford’s Christian Norgaard said: “I’ve had Michael a few times in the Premier League and I’ve always seen him as a very good referee, he’s always been at the highest level, but I think even he would admit that this game that today was a doubtful performance.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I get it, like us as players also have doubtful performances now and then.”It felt like he had to make up one mistake with another mistake, another mistake, another mistake. It was just like that throughout the whole game.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch MLS star score ‘craziest winner you’ll ever see’ in 97th minute but fans fume at ‘illegal’ goal

      by

      FOOTBALL fans were treated to a rare type of goal in Major League Soccer in the game between Atlanta United and Toronto.Headlines would have normally been made about the stoppage time winner alone, but it was the nature of how it came about which had fans calling it “crazy”.Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiare became hide and seek champion as he snuck up behind Toronto’s goalkeeperCredit: Atlanta UnitedThiare pounced as the goalkeeper put the ball down to playCredit: APThiare then dribbled the ball around the goalkeeper after pinching itCredit: APHe shot the ball into an empty net for a stunning match winnerCredit: ReutersIn the 97th minute with the score tied at 1-1, Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran had the ball in his arms as he attempted to run down the clock.However, unbeknownst to Gavran, Atlanta forward Jamal Thiare had sneakily gone off the pitch behind him to grab some water before quietly ambling back on to the field of play behind the Canadian.As both attackers and defenders moved down the pitch expecting 24-year-old Gavran to boot it long, Thiare waited behind him in case he dropped the ball.And in a stunning twist of fate, Gavran duly obliged as he dropped the ball ready to play the ball with his feet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSenegal ace Thiare then pounced on the loose ball before dribbling it around the keeper and shooting the ball into the back of the net for an astonishing winner.Fans couldn’t believe what they had just seen, with one saying: “You see a goal like this maybe once every five years.”A goal like this to win the game seven minutes into stoppage? Never seen anything like it. Not even in MLS.”A second said: “The craziest game winner you will ever see and a team like Atlanta… they deserved a break like this.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe official club account shared a video of 31-year-old Thiare, proclaiming him: “Hide and seek champion.”Interim head coach Rob Valentino added: “I would say I’m on the younger side of coaching and the younger side of being in the game, but I have never seen anything like that.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlines”I made the joke to Dax [McCarty], after I ridiculously went sprinting down the sideline, that he has played 20 years now and I bet he has never seen a finish like that. “It was incredible, bizarre, but I’m glad we’re on this side of it.”Similar goals have occurred in England, with Danny Rose scoring a cheeky goal for Stevenage in 2022.One of the most famous versions came when Robbie Keane scored against Birmingham for Tottenham in 2003.However, many fans were left fuming at an apparent breach of rules from Thiare for stepping off the pitch, and believed referee Serhiy Boyko should have overturned the goal.One fan said: “Illegal, he steps off the field of his own accord, pretty bad reffing that this didn’t get VAR’d.”A second said: “He left the pitch to get a drink of water. Did the referee wave him back onto the pitch or am I missing something?”A third said: “The goal scorer leaves the field of play and re-enters without permission. That’s a yellow card, no goal.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnder Ifab’s law 12.3 it says a player should be cautioned when “entering, re-entering or deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission”.Ifab’s law 13.2 also states: “Free kicks for offences involving a player entering, re-entering or leaving the field of play without permission are taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Denmark star Schmeichel rages at VAR and admits he ‘still doesn’t know the rules yet’ after controversial Euro 2024 exit

      by

      KASPER SCHMEICHEL raged at VAR after Denmark’s elimination from Euro 2024 yesterday.The Danes thought they had taken the lead against hosts Germany after a shock Joachim Andersen opener.Schmeichel slammed VAR after the gameCredit: XJoachim Andersen’s opener was ruled out after Thomas Delaney was found to be marginally offside in the buildupCredit: GettyVAR images showed how tight the call wasCredit: XAndersen had the ball kicked at him from close rangeBut the goal was ruled out for a fractional offside for Thomas Delaney in the build-up.Their misery was then compounded immediately when a penalty was awarded down the other end for an Andersen handball.The handball didn’t look immediately obvious but VAR stepped in and summoned Michael Oliver to the monitor.He then gave a penalty for Germany which Kai Havertz converted to make it 1-0, and Jamal Musiala added Germany’s second with just over 20 minutes to go.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe famous ‘snickometer’ was used to show the ball had struck Andersen’s hand after it was blasted at him from close range by Florian Wirtz.Speaking after the game, Schmeichel, 37, was asked to sum up his feelings and said: “It’s a mixture of disappointment, anger, rage, a bit of everything at the moment.When asked to expand, he referred to the VAR decisions and said: “This is football nowadays, I’ve played football 23 years and still don’t know the rules yet.He was especially aggrieved about the penalty decision and said: “I’m not sure what a player is meant to do when he is running, and the ball is whacked at his hand from a yard away.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”Not really sure what he’s supposed to do with his arm but there was definitely a sense that the margins were on their side today.”He then said: “I’m not sure football and common sense go together anymore.”Kasper Hjulmand post match interview – Germany v Denmark Euro 2024Crystal Palace defender Andersen could not contain his frustration after the game either, saying: “It was crazy and not a penalty at all. I can’t run around with my arms behind my back and play football. “He’s half a metre away from me and hits the ball on my hand, so I can’t see what I could do to prevent it.”And Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand fumed: “It was decided by VAR decisions. I have a photo here, It was one centimetre (the offside).“It doesn’t make sense. This is not how we are supposed to be using VAR. It’s one centimeter.I’m not sure football and common sense go together anymoreKasper Schmeichel“Then there was the penalty. I’m so tired of the ridiculous handball rules.“We can’t require our defenders to be running with their hands by their sides. It’s not natural.“Joachim was running normally. He jumps up and he is hit from one metre. I rarely talk about these decisions.“But they were decisive for this game. It’s frustrating. Being in front 1-0 would have changed everything for our team.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe game was also paused in the first-half due to a thunderstorm, in unusual scenes in Germany.Players were rushed off the pitch after a tremendous lightning strike saw the heavens open with heavy rain.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.Nico Schlotterbeck headed beyond Kasper SchmeichelCredit: APJoshua Kimmich was adjudged to have fouled Alexander Skov OlsenMichael Oliver explains his decision to Ilkay GundoganCredit: EPASchlotterbeck, 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.”READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSWhile 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.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHost 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.Huge brawl breaks out at full-time of Czech Republic vs Turkey as referee forced to give red card AFTER final whistleEarlier 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier 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.The match was suspended due to a torrential downpourCredit: EPA More