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      Former Arsenal star and BBC commentator slammed by ex-Premier League referee for ‘bonkers’ comment during England game

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      JEFF WINTER has slammed Lee Dixon for his comments during England’s win over Holland.The former England international criticised the linesman in the 23rd minute of the Euro 2024 semi-final as there were two balls on the pitch. Two balls were on the pitch during England’s win over HollandCredit: bbcThis made the referee stop the game with England on the attackCredit: bbcLee Dixon wanted the linesman to get the ball in order for play to continueCredit: GettyFormer Premier League ref Jeff Winter hit out at Dixon’s commentsCredit: GettyWith the score at 1-1, the Three Lions were on the attack, but referee Felix Zwayer was forced to halt the game because of the second ball.The ball was picked up by the referee and then England regeained possession with a drop ball.Dixon, 60, was not impressed as he said on the ITV commentary: “Can’t the linesman just run on the pitch and get rid of that extra ball.”I just don’t get it.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Former Premier League referee Winter, 69, was not impressed with the comments as he hit out at the ex-Arsenal star.He wrote on X: “Oh Lee Dixon! Why can’t the Assistant run on and kick the ball off?”Perhaps cos the other ball is in play next to him and he’s got other responsibilities!”Played the game but doesn’t understand it!”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWinter refereed in the Premier League between 1995 and 2004.His opinion gathered a lot of support on social media.Ian Wright and Gary Neville go wild after Watkins’ England winner… but eagle-eyed fans spot Roy Keane’s reaction to goalEngland’s controversial penaltyBy Mark HalseyHARRY KANE was gifted a penalty by controversial referee Felix Zwayer.If England had been on the receiving end of that decision, we would have been absolutely fuming.The German official, previously banned for six months for his part in a match-fixing scandal, should not have been sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR Bastian Dankert.Both Denzel Dumfries and Kane had their feet in the air as England’s captain got his shot away.It was just a clash of legs and certainly NOT a ‘clear and obvious error’.Once Zwayer went over to the monitor, we knew what was going to happen.He is an excellent referee but we have seen that none of the officials seem mentally tough enough to stick with their original call.I know some people will argue Dumfries was late to the tackle and it would have been a free-kick elsewhere on the pitch.But it is a contact sport and it’s natural that there will be a coming together in instances like that.Aside from the penalty award, Zwayer had a good game.There were fears decisions would go against England because of Jude Bellingham’s previous comments about Zwayer.Bellingham was fined £34,000 in 2021 for blaming Zwayer and his match-fixing past for Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.But Zwayer was right to caution Bellingham for his reckless challenge on Stefan de Vrij in the second half.One person commented: “Said the exact same.”A second agreed: “My thoughts exactly!”However there were many fans that agreed with Dixon as they claimed it would have been “comment sense”.One argued: “OMG – I just mentioned the linesman entering the pitch and removing the ball. Dixon repeated my suggestion.”Another wrote: “It would have been comment sense to have removed it though.”The Fifa rules stipulate that if there are two balls on the pitch, then the referee must stop play and restart with a drop ball if it interferes with play.There was some more refereeing controversy earlier in the game when Harry Kane was awarded a penalty after being caught by Denzel Dumfries.The likes of Gary Neville and ex-ref Mark Halsey believed that it should not have been a spot-kick.Hollan captain Virgil van Dijk also hit out at the official after the game as he claimed it was “difficult to accept”.England went on to find a winning goal and book their spot in the final on Sunday.Ollie Watkins was the hero as he netted in the 90th minute to send the country into raptures.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Three Lions will face Spain in the crucial clash at the Olimpiastadion in Berlin.A supercomputer has made the Spanish favourites, with a 54.3 per cent chance of winning over England.England vs Spain recordEngland have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result…May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.England ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke.  More

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      Virgil van Dijk fumes ‘it says a lot’ after spotting controversial ref’s antics at full time after TWO major decisions

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK raged at controversial referee Felix Zwayer after decisions went against the Netherlands in their Euros semi-final defeat to England.Gareth Southgate’s men were handed a first-half penalty after Denzel Dumfries was judged to have fouled Harry Kane following a VAR review.Virgil van Dijk was furious with the referee after the gameEngland received a penalty for Denzel Dumfries’ foul on Harry KaneCredit: ReutersEngland also scored moments after Netherlands should have had a cornerCredit: AFPKane scored the penalty to level things at 1-1, before another contentious moment occurred in the lead-up to England’s stoppage-time winner.Holland should have been awarded a late corner but instead a goal kick was given.Seconds later the ball was up the other end and Ollie Watkins lashed home to send England into the final.In the aftermath, Dutch forward Xavi Simons was booked for remonstrating with Zwayer – who was involved in a match-fixing scandal in 2005.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAnd Van Dijk took aim at Zwayer’s conduct during his post-match interview as he claimed his players were given “no time to shake his hand”.Speaking on beIN Sports, he said: “I don’t know what I should say, I don’t know if I should say something about this.”I said it outside to our Dutch media, it says it all that the ref went in quite quickly after the game and we had no time to shake his hand.”It is what it is, the game is done, it’s very tough to take.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSXavi Simons was booked for dissent after England’s winning goalCredit: Reuters”Certain moments it’s obvious that it [decisions] should’ve gone our way, it didn’t. I don’t know what to say, it’s difficult to accept this.”It’s been a very long year, a tough year. We had a big dream and we felt like we could’ve achieved it as a team, unfortunately, it didn’t happen.”England stars celebrate reaching Euro 2024 final with Wags as Ollie Watkins kisses girlfriend after late winnerFormer England defender Gary Neville slammed the penalty decision, labelling it a “disgrace”.And Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman had a similar view as he cut a frustrated figure after the game.He said: “What do you do as a defender? This is not a penalty.”Dumfries wanted to block the ball. Then the shoes collide. Such VAR decisions destroy football.” More

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      Harry Kane’s penalty was a gift from VAR – there’s NO WAY it was a clear and obvious error, says ex-Premier League ref

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      HARRY KANE was gifted a penalty by controversial referee Felix Zwayer.If England had been on the receiving end of that decision, we would have been absolutely fuming.Harry Kane controversially won a penalty after being caught by Denzel DumfriesCredit: EPAFelix Zwayer, who had previously been banned for match-fixing, awarded the penaltyCredit: RexKane duly converted the spot kickCredit: AFPOllie Waktins netted a late winnerCredit: GettyGareth Southgate celebrated as England made their second straight Euros final under his leadershipCredit: APThe German official, previously banned for six months for his part in  a match-fixing scandal, should not have been sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR chief Bastian Dankert.Both Denzel Dumfries and Kane had their feet in the air as England’s captain got his shot away.It was just a clash of legs and certainly NOT a ‘clear and obvious error’.Once Zwayer went over to the monitor, we knew what was going to happen.He is an excellent referee but we have seen that none of the officials seem mentally tough enough to stick with their original call.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLI know some people will argue Dumfries was late to the tackle and it would have been a free-kick elsewhere on the pitch.But it is a contact sport and it’s natural that there will be a coming together in instances like that.Aside from the penalty award, Zwayer had a good game.There were fears decisions would go against England because of Jude Bellingham’s previous comments about Zwayer.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBellingham was fined £34,000 in 2021 for blaming Zwayer and his match-fixing past for Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.But Zwayer was right to caution Bellingham for his reckless challenge on Stefan de Vrij in the second half.Gary Neville fumes ‘it’s a disgrace’ at England penalty decision as Man Utd legend admits referee ‘offended’ himEngland ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke.  More

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      Gary Neville fumes ‘it’s a disgrace’ at England penalty decision as Man Utd legend admits referee ‘offended’ him

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      GARY NEVILLE slammed the referee over his controversial decision to award England a penalty against the Netherlands.Harry Kane equalised from the spot after being caught late in the box by Denzel Dumfries after blazing his shot over the bar.Harry Kane was awarded penalty after being caught late by Denzel DumfriesCredit: ReutersReferee Felix Zwayer gave the spot-kick after reviewing the incident on the VAR monitorCredit: RexGary Neville fumed over the decisionCredit: ITVReferee Felix Zwayer initially decided not to point to the spot but reversed his decision following a review of the incident on the VAR monitor, much to fans delight.But Neville believes his first call was the correct one and was heavily critical of the decision to award a penalty.He fumed on ITV, saying: “I think it’s an absolute disgrace. It’s an absolutely disgraceful decision. To have that given against me as a penalty at any time, but in a game of such importance.”I was fuming with the one the other week. The Denmark one the handball. That was a disgrace as well, I was offended by that one.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″He goes in naturally just to try and block the shot. It’s not a penalty it’s nowhere near a penalty and I have to say I don’t think there were many England players claiming for it either.”It’s never a penalty but you take your luck.”Ian Wright disagreed with his colleague, claiming Dumfries’ challenge was “reckless”.That incensed Neville further who hit back saying: “Reckless?! That is not reckless.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland’s controversial penaltyBy Mark HalseyHARRY KANE was gifted a penalty by controversial referee Felix Zwayer.If England had been on the receiving end of that decision, we would have been absolutely fuming.The German official, previously banned for six months for his part in a match-fixing scandal, should not have been sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR Bastian Dankert.Both Denzel Dumfries and Kane had their feet in the air as England’s captain got his shot away.It was just a clash of legs and certainly NOT a ‘clear and obvious error’.Once Zwayer went over to the monitor, we knew what was going to happen.He is an excellent referee but we have seen that none of the officials seem mentally tough enough to stick with their original call.I know some people will argue Dumfries was late to the tackle and it would have been a free-kick elsewhere on the pitch.But it is a contact sport and it’s natural that there will be a coming together in instances like that.Aside from the penalty award, Zwayer had a good game.There were fears decisions would go against England because of Jude Bellingham’s previous comments about Zwayer.Bellingham was fined £34,000 in 2021 for blaming Zwayer and his match-fixing past for Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.But Zwayer was right to caution Bellingham for his reckless challenge on Stefan de Vrij in the second half.England’s penalty shootout recordTHE dreaded penalty shootout.England’s nemesis at no fewer than EIGHT major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.But the perfect shootout win over Switzerland at Euro 2024 gives some reason for optimism…1990 World Cup semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 04/07/1990 – LOST 4-3Euro 1996 quarter-final vs SPAIN, 22/06/1996 – WON 4-2Euro 1996 semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 26/06/1996 – LOST 6-5Friendly vs BELGIUM, 29/05/1998 – LOST 4-31998 World Cup last 16 vs ARGENTINA, 30/06/1998 – LOST 4-3Euro 2004 quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 24/06/2004 – LOST 6-52006 World Cup quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 01/07/2006 – LOST 3-1Euro 2012 quarter-final vs ITALY, 24/06/2012 – LOST 4-22018 World Cup last 16 vs COLOMBIA, 03/07/2018 – WON 4-3Nations League third-place play-off vs SWITZERLAND, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2Euro 2024 quarter-final vs SWITZERLAND, 06/07/24 – WON 5-3OVERALL: Played 12 Won 4, Lost 8EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke. “We’re all going mad, we don’t know what a penalty is. We’ve conditioned ourselves now in the game whereby we think that’s reckless and we think that’s reckless.”Honestly that is not a penalty. From agony to ecstasy – England level Euro 2024 semi final against Netherlands – full game fan reactions”I think in the box I think there is a bit of license for a defender to go in with honesty and block the shot.”There has got to be a bit of license otherwise you’re never blocking a shot.”The penalty had a crucial impact on the game as Ollie Watkins struck a last-gasp winner to hand England a 2-1 victory and a place in the final. More

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      England fans change their tune on match-fixing ref as he gives controversial penalty after VAR check for foul on Kane

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      FANS have changed their tune on referee Felix Zwayer after he awarded England a controversial penalty against the Netherlands.Harry Kane was caught late in the box by Denzel Dumfries after taking a shot at goal.Harry Kane was caught late in the area after taking a shotCredit: GettyReferee Felix Zwayer initially failed to award the penaltyCredit: AFPBut he overturned his decision after reviewing the incident on the VAR monitorThere was clear contact made on Kane’s foot after his shotCredit: ReutersHis strike blazed over the crossbar as the England captain fell to the ground clutching his foot.There was contact made but the referee initially failed to award a penalty.However he was advised to review the incident on the VAR monitor and reversed his decision after watching the foul back multiple times.But some fans were still surprised to see the spot-kick given and quickly showed their appreciation for Zwayer.READ MORE ON EURO 2024One supporter reacted saying: “Love this ref – never in doubt.”Another added: “Love this dodgy ref to be honest 😂”A third wrote: “I obviously love it but that is never ever ever a pen 😂😂😂”Shock it’s the ref that’s corrupt. Thank god it’s for us.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland’s controversial penaltyBy Mark HalseyHARRY KANE was gifted a penalty by controversial referee Felix Zwayer.If England had been on the receiving end of that decision, we would have been absolutely fuming.The German official, previously banned for six months for his part in a match-fixing scandal, should not have been sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR Bastian Dankert.Both Denzel Dumfries and Kane had their feet in the air as England’s captain got his shot away.It was just a clash of legs and certainly NOT a ‘clear and obvious error’.Once Zwayer went over to the monitor, we knew what was going to happen.He is an excellent referee but we have seen that none of the officials seem mentally tough enough to stick with their original call.I know some people will argue Dumfries was late to the tackle and it would have been a free-kick elsewhere on the pitch.But it is a contact sport and it’s natural that there will be a coming together in instances like that.Aside from the penalty award, Zwayer had a good game.There were fears decisions would go against England because of Jude Bellingham’s previous comments about Zwayer.Bellingham was fined £34,000 in 2021 for blaming Zwayer and his match-fixing past for Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.But Zwayer was right to caution Bellingham for his reckless challenge on Stefan de Vrij in the second half.Zwayer was charged with match fixing in 2006England ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke. ITV pundit Gary Neville criticised the decision, calling it a “disgrace”.He said: “I think it’s an absolute disgrace. It’s an absolutely disgraceful decision, To have that given against me as a penalty at any time, but in a game of such importance.Beers go flying at Boxpark as Harry Kane levels semi final vs Netherlands from penalty spot”He goes in naturally just to try and block the shot. It’s not a penalty it’s nowhere near a penalty and I have to say I don’t think there were many England players claiming for it either.”It’s never a penalty but you take your luck.”It is a big change of heart from the England faithful, many of whom bemoaned the decision to appoint him for this match because of his chequered past.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.After his comeback, Zwayer was promoted to a Bundesliga official in 2009 and he has since been slammed by Jude 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.Bellingham 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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You give a referee that has, you know, match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany – what do you expect?”The penalty had a crucial impact on the game as Ollie Watkins struck a last-gasp winner to hand England a 2-1 victory and a place in the final. More

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      From drugging teammates with sleeping pills to baffling 95-0 scoreline – inside the murky world of football match-fixing

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      ENGLAND fans are furious after a scandal-hit referee has been chosen for tomorrow’s Euro 2024 semi-final clash.German-born Felix Zwayer, who will oversee the Three Lions game against the Netherlands, was banned for six months for match-fixing back in 2005.Felix Zwayer, who was previously given a ban for match-fixing, will referee England’s semi-final clashCredit: RexThe official previously clashed with Jude Bellingham over decisions made in a 2021 matchCredit: AFPBellingham was fined £34,000 for criticising Zwayer in this post-match interview in 2021The 43-year-old had received a £250 bribe from another referee, Robert Hoyzer, who had links to a £1.7million Croatian gambling syndicate in Berlin.While Zwayer was reinstated as a FIFA-listed ref in 2012, some fear England may be at risk of harsh treatment due to Jude Bellingham criticising him three years ago.The Three Lions ace, then 18, previously fumed at the official in a post-match interview for not giving his side, Borussia Dortmund, a penalty while awarding one to Bayern Munich.Bellingham, whose team lost 3-2 in the 2021 match, was fined £34,000 for raging: “You can look at a lot of decisions in that game.READ MORE FROM FEATURES“You give a referee that has match-fixed before the biggest game in Germany. What do you expect?”Zwayer was one of five refs who helped to expose crooked Hozyer – who was jailed two-and-a-half years and given a lifetime ban from working in the sport. Sadly match-fixing is nothing new in the world of football – here we reveal some of the utterly astounding scandals.Drugging teammatesBack in 2011, a clash between Italian third-division teams Cremonese and Paganese became famous for all the wrong reasons.Most read in FootballObservers noticed Cremonese’s players looked sluggish and reported feeling tired during the match.Some were reported to have struggled to walk and one member of the team crashed his car while driving home from the match.England’s penalty shoot-out secretsMarco Paolini drugged his teammates with sleeping pillsCredit: RAIIt later transpired that Cremonese’s goalkeeper Marco Paolini had been drugging his teammates with sleeping pills in a bid to pay off gambling debts.The footballer, who had placed the drug in their water bottles, was banned for five years after an FA investigation found links to disgraced Singapore businessman Dan Tan.95-0 winMost football fans would be happy with their side winning a match by a couple of goals – but in Sierra Leone eyebrows were raised by two surprisingly flattering score lines in 2022. Gulf FC and Kenama were both investigated by the nation’s football association after the teams managed to score in excess of 90 goals each.It followed Gulf beating Koquima 91-1 – after being ahead 7-1 in the first half – and Kenama thrashing Lumbebu United 95-0 after leading 2-0 before the second half commenced.The two results were annulled due to allegations of match manipulation and the Sierra Leona Football Association launched an investigation.The four teams were initially suspended by organisers. Later they were forced to replay the matches and put investigation.Totenero scandalItaly’s Paolo Rossi was banned for two years as part of the scandalCredit: PA:Press AssociationTotenero remains the world’s most famous match-fixing scandal – and led to a staggering 21 players, club owners and officials being given prison time.It came to light after an Italian newspaper discovered two greengrocers in Rome had masterminded a ring to facilitate teams to throw matches.They had bribed players including some from the football team Lazio, who were regulars in the restaurant, before eventually running out of money. The 1980 scandal, dubbed ‘totenero’ – the Italian word for illegal gambling – led to both Lazio and AC Milan being relegated from Serie A.Of the arrests, the most notable was Perugia forward Paolo Rossi – who was banned for two years before representing Italy at the 1982 World Cup, where he was the tournament’s top goalscorer.Disgrace of GijonWest Germany’s Wolfgang Dremmler scoring in the match against AustriaCredit: PA:Press AssociationAlgeria fans held money up to photographers, alleging there had been a fix between West Germany and AustriaCredit: AP:Associated PressWhile FIFA stated no rules had been broken, many were furious after a match between West Germany and Austria during 1982 World Cup.For both teams to progress through the group stage at the expense of Algeria, Germany needed just a 1-0 victory over the rivals.The only goal of the match came within 10 minutes of the game and after players passed the ball between them unwilling to compete further.Algeria were knocked out of the tournament and angry fans posed in front of photographers with money showing their disapproval of how the game had been fixed.The game – dubbed ‘the disgrace of Gijon’ – led FIFA to introduce a new rule for all final group games to be played simultaneously.Referee outrageJuventus director Luciano Moggi was involved in the ref-fixingCredit: PA:Press AssociationMoggi walking to court in 2010 for his involvement in the 2006 corruption scandalCredit: AFPIn 2006, Italian football suffered yet another scandal when police intercepted phone calls that revealed club officials had arranged for favourable referees. Teams including Juventus, Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Reggina were found to have been involved in conversations with the referee organisations. It led to prison sentences and football bans for Fiorentina’s co-owner Andrea Della Valle and Juventus director Luciano Moggi. England’s penalty shootout recordTHE dreaded penalty shootout.England’s nemesis at no fewer than EIGHT major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.But the perfect shootout win over Switzerland at Euro 2024 gives some reason for optimism…1990 World Cup semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 04/07/1990 – LOST 4-3Euro 1996 quarter-final vs SPAIN, 22/06/1996 – WON 4-2Euro 1996 semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 26/06/1996 – LOST 6-5Friendly vs BELGIUM, 29/05/1998 – LOST 4-31998 World Cup last 16 vs ARGENTINA, 30/06/1998 – LOST 4-3Euro 2004 quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 24/06/2004 – LOST 6-52006 World Cup quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 01/07/2006 – LOST 3-1Euro 2012 quarter-final vs ITALY, 24/06/2012 – LOST 4-22018 World Cup last 16 vs COLOMBIA, 03/07/2018 – WON 4-3Nations League third-place play-off vs SWITZERLAND, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2Euro 2024 quarter-final vs SWITZERLAND, 06/07/24 – WON 5-3OVERALL: Played 12 Won 4, Lost 8Of the teams involved, Juventus received the heftiest punishment with them being stripped of two Serie A titles and relegated to Series B.It led to a number of the team’s star players including Fabio Cannavaro and Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaving the club. Nearly 35 international footballers left the Italian league as a result of the scandal and moved to teams in other European leagues. 146 goals In another scandal involving absurd scorelines, four teams were banned from Nigeria’s lower league after 146 goals were scored in two matches.Both Plateau United Feeders and Police Machine were battling for promotion in 2013 but faced large goal differences so the teams took it into their own hands.Plateau United Feeders were 7-0 up at half-time against Akurba FC but went on to score a staggering 72 more goals.Similarly, Police Machine won 67-0 against Babyaro FC after being 6-0 ahead at halftime.The games saw one player score 11 times, three own goals and new footballs being used instead of retrieving balls from the back of the net. All four teams were banned for 10 years due to the “shameful incident”.Deliberate own goalTwo Brazilian footballers were sacked in an alleged match-fixing scandal in 2022Credit: TwitterIt’s claimed a midfielder deliberately scored an own goal and the keeper did nothing to stop himCredit: TwitterIn Brazil, at least two footballers were sacked after a bizarre own goal one minute before the end of the match. In footage from the game, it appeared that midfielder Julio Campos kick the ball into his own net on purpose and the goalkeeper did nothing to stop it.The game finished with Campos’ team, Atletico Amazonense, losing 4-1 to rivals Sul America in 2022. Two players were fired after the incident and regional prosecutors were asked to launch an investigation into match-fixing. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe loss ruled the team out of the race for promotion to Brazil’s top tier and the club’s president Henrique Barbosa was furious.In a statement, the club branded the actions “serious sabotage” and said Campos had an “unethical attitude” and “was determined to sabotage his own side” from the “beginning of the game”.Former referee Robert Hoyzer was jailed for more than two years and banned from footballCredit: Getty More

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

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      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

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

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      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