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      Fans claim Kai Havertz’s goal against Denmark shouldn’t have stood after ‘illegal’ act from Germany star

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      FANS claimed Kai Havertz’s penalty against Denmark should not have stood in Germany’s 2-0 win after he appeared to come to a full stop in his run up.The Germany star’s spot-kick was awarded just seconds after Joachim Andersen’s opener was ruled offside in the 51st minute.Fans think Havertz’s penalty should have been retakenCredit: RexHavertz opened the scoring for GermanyCredit: PAAnd it was a second VAR blow for Andersen when he conceded the penalty for a handball after blocking David Raum’s cross.The subsequent controversy arose after Havertz came to a complete stop midway up to slotting home past Kasper Schmeichel.But fans have expressed their frustrations with the lack of rules that fail to prevent players stopping and stuttering in their run ups.In fact, Havertz did nothing wrong according to Uefa’s laws.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSThe law states: “The kicker must not stop or feint (pretend to kick the ball) at the end of their run-up – they must kick it immediately.”But feinting in the run-up is permitted.”But goalkeepers are penalised for moving off the line before the penalty taker kicks the ball.As was witnessed in France’s draw with Poland, when Robert Lewandowski was allowed to re-take his spot kick to finish the game 1-1.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLewandowski, with a ridiculous shuffle run-up, saw Mike Maignan save the kick, but the goalkeeper had moved beyond his line. Taking to X, one fan wrote: “That pen is illegal. You shouldn’t be able to completely stop during run up.”How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024Another said: “You should not be allowed to stop on the run up in a penalty, so unfair on the keeper.”A third declared: “Your not supposed to completely stop. Why aren’t players being pulled up on it.”A fourth said: “These stutter run-up penalties getting out of hand. Havertz fully stopped his run, should be disallowed.”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.Germany went on to beat the Danes 2-0 after Jamal Musiala’s 68th minute strike brought him to the top of Euro’s scoring charts.The match was suspended in the 37th minute after torrential rain and thunder stormed the pitch – but got back underway 25 minutes later.Joshua Kimmich was adjudged to have fouled Alexander Skov OlsenLightning flashed above the groundEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Germany 2 Denmark 0: Hosts survive lightning, torrential rain and VAR to make it through Euro 2024’s most chaotic clash

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      ON a stormy night in Dortmund, hosts Germany refused to let Denmark rain on their parade.With a helping hand from English officials and good old VAR.Lightning flashed above the groundCredit: itvTorrential rain delayed the match for 25 minutesRain poured off the roofCredit: APThe players were taken off the pitchCredit: AFPFans took cover in the concourses – but some braved the adverse conditionsCredit: RexKai Havertz scored from the spotCredit: RexThere was thunder, there was lightning, and the way the Danes played was, at times, frightening for the host nation.Especially when Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen thought he had given the men in red the lead just after half-time.But offside technology saved Germany and moments later VAR Stuart Attwell harshly condemned Andersen, for whom the night was anything but a fairytale.There really was little the Danish centre-back could have done to avoid David Raum’s cross striking his hand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet English referee Michael Oliver agreed  Andersen’s arm was in an unnatural position.And naturally, Kai Havertz exacted the full penalty by scoring from the spot.It was harsh on the Danes. After recovering from a shaky start, they were the better team either side of the delay caused by the thunderstorm. Oliver took players off for 25 minutes as the rain lashed down and the sky flashed and roared.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSJamal Musiala scored his third goal of the tournamentCredit: RexBut after Havertz broke the deadlock, Germany had the better chances.And Jamal Musiala ran on to a long ball, outpaced poor old Andersen and showed the composure his elders had lacked to settle the match.How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024Julian Nagelsmann’s team deserved their victory overall, but will surely need to deliver a more consistent performance in the quarter-final on Friday in Stuttgart, where Spain are their likely opponents.Germany started quickly and thought they had taken the lead within four minutes.But ref Oliver ruled out Nico Schlotterbeck’s header for a foul by Joshua Kimmich off the ball.Moments later, Kimmich tried to make amends but Kasper Schmeichel beat away his effort. From the corner, Schmeichel tipped another Schlotterbeck header behind.The Germans were pressing high, and the Danes found it hard to get out of their half.When they did, Christian Eriksen’s shot was deflected behind by Antonio Rudiger.But Kasper Hjulmand’s side had weathered the early storm and were gaining a foothold. Joakim Maehle fired wide when he might have done better.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYGermany were no longer at full throttle and passes went astray, even from Toni Kroos.Then the actual storm came. Danish football and boss Hjulmand are particularly sensitive to such conditions.In 2009, when Hjulmand was assistant boss at Nordsjaelland, midfielder Jonathan Richter was struck by lightning during a reserve match.Richter suffered a cardiac arrest and was put into a coma for nearly a fortnight. He then had the lower part of his left leg amputated. So this was not an over-reaction. After the restart, Hjulmand, frustrated by decisions going against his team, was booked for his protests. But then Hojlund had two sights of goal.The first, he fired into the side netting. Then Thomas Delaney’s pass was far enough ahead of Hojlund for Manuel Neuer to make a save.Soon after the break, Andersen tucked the ball home after a scramble following a free-kick. But Delaney had been offside in the build-up.The reprieve woke up the German crowd and their team.Moments later Andersen’s night took an even worse turn when the VAR spotted his handball in the box.Havertz, after a stuttering run-up, beat Schmeichel.The Arsenal star could have settled the game when he brilliantly turned Raum’s pass into a through ball, leaving Andersen for dead, but got his finish horribly wrong.Havertz combined superbly with Leroy Sane, but the former Manchester City winger could not hit the target.At the other end, Hojlund fired straight at Neuer.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Schlotterbeck hit a long ball into the channel. Musiala ran on to it, Andersen hesitated and the young maestro was gone.After his deft, clipped finish, so was the game.A penalty was given for Andersen’s handballStadium staff swept water off the sidelinesCredit: Getty More

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      Uefa refs chief FINALLY explains why Armstrong was denied penalty – and says Scotland were LUCKY McGinn wasn’t punished

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      UEFA refs boss Roberto Rosetti says the controversial penalty decision Scotland didn’t get against Hungary was the RIGHT call by the officials – because Stuart Armstrong initiated the contact.Scots fans were raging when Argentinian official Facundo Tello waved away claims for Hungary defender Willi Orban’s challenge on Armstrong last Sunday.Stuart Armstrong and Willi Orban tangled inside the Hungarian boxCredit: GettyArmstrong was downed by the contact from OrbanCredit: GettyBut no penalty was givenCredit: EPAReferee Facundo Tello was having none of itCredit: EPABut Rosetti said the decision was correct – and that Hungary could also have been awarded a penalty BEFORE the Stuttgart flashpoint.Managing Director for Refereeing Rosetti said: “This was a very tough game with a couple of controversial incidents.“There was one in minute 68 when there was a possible penalty because the Scotland number 7 – John McGinn – was pulling the opponent’s shirt.“Then of course in minute 79 in the penalty area of Hungary, there was another incident, in favour of Scotland.“The attacker of Scotland, Armstrong, was in front of the Hungarian.“If you watch it from behind the camera, there was a movement of the attacker towards the Hungarian, so it was another controversial decision.“Of course the VAR checked it – they check everything.“They checked and decided it was just physical contact because, in their opinion the attacker changed his direction towards the defender and it was a physical contact to challenge the defender.“So, no intervention.”Most read in FootballRosetti grew short-tempered when Scottish media quizzed him again about the Armstrong incident during the Euros briefing.He said: “There were two controversial situations – two, O.K.?Steve Clarke, Negative Normans and the players who didn’t perform to their best as Scotland’s Euro 2024 dream turned into a nightmare“One was a clear pulling in the penalty area but you don’t mention that?“Then there was the Armstrong situation which I have explained how it was decided. Thank you.”As Sunsport revealed yesterday, Tello has not been appointed as referee for any of the Round of 16 fixtures, which begin tomorrow.He said: “We started with 19 refereeing teams and we have reached a point where some referees will not be appointed in matches.“We will assess the performances and appoint the best referees for the next matches.“There isn’t space for all the referees. Believe me it’s tough to tell the officials, ‘Game over.’This incident involving John McGinn was checked on VARIt could have led to a penalty“The referees who don’t handle another game are not ending because they have been bad, but because others have been better.”However Rosetti PRAISED Scotland skipper Andy Robertson for his conduct towards referee Clement Turpin following the penalty decision that led to Ryan Porteous’ red card against Germany in the opening fixture.UEFA made a pre-tournament decision to crack down on dissent, only allowing team captains to speak to referees – with other players automatically yellow-carded for approaching officials.Rosetti revealed that cautions for dissent in the group stage had almost doubled – with 19 yellows compared to ten in the last Euros.Media were played audio discussion between ref Turpin and VAR Jerome Brisard following Porteous’ challenge on Ilkay Gundogan, with Brisard exclaiming “Ooof! Penalty, clear penalty, and for me it’s red.”Rosetti said: “In the opening match we saw an excellent dialogue between the Scotland captain and the referee Clement Turpin.“Clement was following the ball and didn’t fix the point of contact at the tackle. The penalty is 100 percent clear and the red card for serious foul play is correct.“It’s a good decision by the referee in the end – and very good intervention by the VAR Jerome Brisard.“But I would say also it was excellent behaviour by this great player, Robertson, the captain of Scotland.“A great player and he showed great behaviour towards the referee.“This is what we want to see.”Meanwhile, three Scottish refs will take charge of European ties in the early rounds next month.David Munro will take charge of the Champions League qualifier between Faroes side Klaksvik and Differdange 03 of Luxembourg.READ MORE SUN STORIESDavid Dickinson will be in the middle for Botev Plovdiv’s Europa League game against Maribor of Slovenia, while Matt MacDermid will be in charge of the Conference League game between Wales’ Bala Town and Paide of Estonia.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Argentinian referee and VAR at centre of Scotland vs Hungary penalty row AXED from Euro 2024 as Uefa slam ‘major errors’

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      UEFA have AXED the blundering Argentinian ref who ignored Scotland’s penalty claim against Hungary – AND his VAR.Facundo Tello infuriated Steve Clarke by ignoring Willi Orban’s foul on Stuart Armstrong in Stuttgart – leading to a furious outburst from the Scotland boss.Referee Facundo Tello during the clash between Scotland and HungaryCredit: GettyReferee Facundo Tello shows Yellow card to Scott McTominayCredit: GettySteve Clarke was far from happy with Mr TelloCredit: Kenny RamsayBut Sunsport understands SIX on the 19 refereeing teams have been sent home after being told they won’t officiate any further matches in the tournament – and that Tello and his assistants Gabriel Chade and Ezequiel Brailovsky are among them.And Spanish sources are tonight reporting that Tello’s VAR Alejandro Hernandez has also been stood down for “not evaluating the play as indicated in the instructions” over the Armstrong incident. In fact, UEFA felt Hernandez failed to intervene on TWO penalty-box incidents in the Scotland v Hungary match.As well as the Armstrong flashpoint, UEFA bosses believed Grant Hanley’s first-half elbow on Endre Botka could also have been interpreted as a penalty to the Hungarians. UEFA are likely to announce on Friday which refereeing teams are staying on.And though there had been speculation that Tello would be given a knockout stages fourth official appointment in a bid to maintain the reciprocal courtesy agreement between UEFA and Conmebol, he looks to have paid the price for what’s viewed as a major error.The performance of the Argentinian in Stuttgart saw Clarke asked if he had spoken to the official.The Scotland boss responded: “He’s from Argentina — why would I ask him? Most read in Euro 2024“He probably doesn’t speak the language. I don’t know.Does Steve Clarke still have the desire in him to continue & has Callum McGregor played his last game for Scotland“Why is he here? Why is there not a European referee?”Those comments infuriated UEFA top brass who have yet to decide whether to charge Clarke for the remarks.The agreement between UEFA and Conmebol has seen Italian Maurizio Mariani at the Copa America, where he refereed the U.S.A.’s win over Bolivia.Scotland’s Stuart Armstrong falls after the challenge from Hungary’s Willi OrbanCredit: APReferee Facundo Tello speaks to Andrew Robertson of ScotlandCredit: GettyKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Slovakia 1 Romania 1: Both sides qualify with the draw everyone expected as Slovaks face potential England clash

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      THE result we all expected.A draw that sent both teams through. Romania players celebrate their progression to the knockout stagesCredit: ReutersThe joy was shared by the SlovaksCredit: GettyRazvan Marin’s VAR-awarded penalty, cancelling out Ondrej Duda header for Slovakia, ensured parity and progression.But it was only in the final few minutes, as the sweltering afternoon made way for a torrential storm straight from a Roger Corman horror film, that the heat went out of this one. And nobody, NOBODY, should throw even a finger of suspicion at either side after they went at it hammer and tongs for at least 85 madcap minutes.The final whistle brought celebrations from every corner of the Waldstadion, with Romania finally aware they had ended up top of the group on goals scored.READ MORE IN football Joy all round, manic leaps of delight on the pitch and in the stands.Justifiably, too. For both sides, getting to the last 16 was a triumph, coming top of group E a true feat for Romania and their yellow wall of sound.And where the conspiracy theorists had enjoyed a field day beforehand, it was the fans who watched a real match that could not be quibbled with.It was a good one, too, Slovakia setting the pace with two blocked shots inside the first 13 seconds.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.Romania responded, blue-haired right back Andrej Ratiu wriggling through to take aim for the far corner, his shot parried by Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka before Ianis Hagi, son of Romanian legend Gheorghe, blazed the rebound off target.But Slovakia went in front after 24 minutes.’They’ll get the shock of their lives’ – Gary Neville hands England stars stern warning after Slovenia bore drawThe ball was spread right and Juraj Kucka, a veteran of the 2010 World Cup win over Italy, swung in a high, hanging ball that Duda gleefully headed down and past keeper Florin Nita.So much for the “agreed nil-nil”. Briefly, Slovakia were going through as group winners – and Romania were heading home.Not for long. Hagi tumbled as he tried to go past left-back David Hancko, with German ref Daniel Siebert initially deeming the foul outside the box.The first contact certainly was but there was another on the other side of the line, spotted by the VAR booth in Leipzig.Ondrej Duda opened the scoring for SlovakiaCredit: ReutersIt sent them on their way to qualificationCredit: AFPAfter an age, the spot-kick was given, drilled into the top corner by Marin. The chances continued. Romania striker Denis Dragus prodded wastefully wide while Haraslin did the hard work but fired straight at Nita.Dubravka saved from goalscorer Marin at full-stretch and then was relieved as Dragus’ effort flashed over the top before Nita denied David Strelec with his left boot and Haraslin was a whisker wide.By now it was apocalyptic as the rain lashed down, accompanied by thunder and lightning.As that eased, so did the tempo. The price of a mistake was now outweighing the rationale for gambling.READ MORE SUN STORIESFair enough. They had both given their all. No deals, no pact. Just shared delight.Razvan Marin levelled the scoringCredit: ReutersRomania topped the group with the drawCredit: AFP More

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      Fans left baffled by little-known VAR rule as Romania are awarded ‘ridiculous’ penalty against Slovakia

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      FANS were outraged by VAR handing Romania a penalty against Slovakia in their Euro 2024 crunch.Razvan Marin’s spot-kick brought his side level before the break in a crucial Group E decider.The referee gave a free-kick for this foul outside the boxRomania drew level before half-timeCredit: GettyBut viewers felt Slovakia were hard done by.Ianis Hagi was brought down by David Hancko on the edge of the box and there was a second collision inside the area.Referee Daniel Siebert initially gave a free-kick but VAR intervened and awarded a penalty without sending the official to the monitor.One fan posted on X: “That Romania penalty is ridiculous lol.”READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSA second added: “There’s the slightest touch of his boot on his toe but even when that happens it’s outside the box, then he runs into the box and falls over. “Crazy how VAR gave that and also didn’t even tell the Ref to check the monitor.”A third added: “Disagree about penalty and also ref should have gone to the monitor not just accept what VAR said. “Contact in the box initiated by Hagi, free-kick outside would have been correct decision.”Most read in Euro 2024The official explanation is that VAR is allowed to make an objective decision, such as correcting the referee when the contact was made in a different location.In this case, the controversy surrounds the fact that the initial foul was outside the area with a second coming together inside the box which the official may have taken another view of.England vs Slovenia Player RatingsThe goal could have a huge impact on the race for the last 16.All four teams in Group E began the day on three points, meaning the quartet can finish in any position.Depending on the results of tonight’s Group F games, the third-placed team from Group E could play England in the last 16.Thanks to their draw, Romania and Slovakia are both in the knockout phase.The Romanians went through as group winners and Slovakia as one of the best third-placed teams.Belgium finished second after a 0-0 draw with Ukraine, who were sent home in fourth. More

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      ‘How poetic’ – Scotland fans brutally trolled over anti-England chant after Steve Clarke’s bizarre Argentine ref rant

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      ODE dear! England fans reckon their Scottish counterparts suffered “poetic” justice with a controversial Euro 2024 exit.Steve Clarke blasted the use of an Argentinian referee after the Tartan Army were denied a “100 per cent” penalty in Hungary’s 1-0 win.Scotland fans sung and danced to taunt England over Diego Maradona’s notorious role in the Three Lions’ 1986 World Cup quarter-finals exitSteve Clarke is sure Scotland were wrongly denied a penaltyBut some Three Lions’ supporters claimed the Scottish misfortune was “karma”.That’s because just days earlier Tartan Army followers in Munich had chanted their joy at England’s notorious 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina.The Scots spiced up the Hokey-Cokey with the line: “Oh, Diego Maradona. He put the English out, out, out!”Maradona’s wrongly-allowed “Hand of God” goal set Argentina up for a 2-1 victory on the way to winning the tournament in Mexico almost 38 years ago to the day. READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSAnd a fellow countryman of the Napoli legend also had a contentious role as Scotland again failed to progress from the group stages.Ref Facundo Tello ignored appeals for a spot-kick at 0-0 in the second half.Manchester United’s Scott McTominay slipped Stuart Armstrong through, with the Southampton midfielder surging in front of Willi Orban but going down under the defender’s challenge.VAR assessed the incident but declined to recommend an on-field review.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLStuart Armstrong was furious not to get a spot-kickCredit: EPAEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAnd in the end Kevin Csoboth fired a breakaway winner for Hungary 10 minutes into stoppage time.The match had needed a lengthy hold-up as Hungarian forward Barnabas Varga was knocked unconscious in a sickening collision with Scotland keeper Angus Gunn.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosVarga was taken to hospital and has had surgery for a fractured cheekbone.Afterwards, Clarke had no doubts his team were robbed of a spot-kick – but the extent of his outburst still surprised many.The ex-Chelsea defender and former Reading manager, 60, said: “It’s 100 per cent a penalty and someone has to explain to me why it’s not. “Because otherwise I’m thinking there’s something wrong.“Did I have a conversation with the officials? What’s the point, he’s from Argentina. “What’s the point? Why is it not a European referee? Trying to be clever, I dunno, I don’t understand.  “I don’t understand why he’s here and not in his own country refereeing a game. “I don’t understand how VAR can look at that and say it’s not a penalty.  That’s just my opinion.  It’s 100 per-cent a penalty.”Meet Germany’s Euro 2024 Wags
      Germany’s Wags range from a glam architect to a leading equestrian and a fashion model.
      Dani ter Stegen (Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s wife)
      One of Germany’s most popular Wags with over 600,000 Instagram followers. Earned a degree in architecture after moving to Barcelona with her husband.
      Sara Gundogan (Ilkay Gundogan’s wife)
      Italian model was never shy to pop a dig at Manchester while Ilkay was at Man City, but has changed her tune and said she misses the city since his move to Barcelona.
      Jessica Kroos (Toni Kroos’ wife)
      Couple first met when Toni was 18 and she was 20. Jessica is credited with convincing the soon-to-retire Germany star to sign a new Real Madrid deal at a time when he was wavering.
      Candice Brook (Leroy Sane’s girlfriend)
      American model helped Harry Kane get used to Germany and overcome the language barrier following his move to Bayern Munich.
      Sophia Weber (Kai Havertz’s fiancee)
      Soon-to-be Mrs Havertz has struck up a close friendship with Martin Odegaard’s partner Helene Spilling. Sophia recently enjoyed a hen party in Ibiza.
      Lisa Muller (Thomas Muller’s wife)
      Lisa is a famous dressage rider in Germany and reportedly convinced her husband not to join Man Utd.
      Find out more about the Germany Euro 2024 Wags here

      But Clarke received little sympathy from England fans who had viewed the Hand of God Hokey-Cokey from Scottish counterparts.Sharing a clip of that dancing, one Three Lions’ supporter posted: “How poetic is it that an Argentinian referee denied them a stonewall penalty to send them out after this video. See ya lads airports that way.”Another wrote: “Karma is a b****.”And a third taunted the Scots further by joking: “Gave it their best shot … well one shot anyway.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut plenty of viewers insisted the spot-kick was far from clear-cut, with many arguing that in fact Armstrong had been the initial offender.Ex-England frontman Alan Shearer backed Clarke’s verdict on the penalty – slamming Orban’s “terrible challenge” – but fellow BBC pundit Chris Sutton was certain the ref’s decision was correct.The stats show what little impact the Scots made going forward More

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      Premier League referee RELEGATED by Uefa as fans hail ‘good sign’ after being left fuming by VAR chaos

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Craig Pawson has been relegated to Uefa’s Second list.The Englishman, 45, has been replaced by John Brooks on the governing body’s First list – which also includes Chris Kavanagh.Premier League referee Craig Pawson has been relegated by UefaCredit: GettyMichael Oliver and Anthony Taylor remain the two Premier League officials on Uefa’s Elite list.Pawson joins Stuart Attwell, Darren England, Jarred Gillett, Rob Jones and Andy Madley on the Second list – the third tier for Uefa officials.According to ESPN, Brooks, 34, had the best stats of all Premier League refs in the 2023/24 season, while he also ranked second as a VAR.Pawson caught unwanted headlines for particular key decisions including disallowing a late Chelsea goal against Aston Villa for a dubious foul back in April.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Premier League has just four refs on Uefa’s Elite and First lists – Oliver, Taylor, Brooks and Kavanagh.That is compared with six for officials in France, Germany and Italy.Spain and Romania also boast five referees on the two lists.It comes after English officials were criticised for their handling of a controversial decision in the game between Holland and France at Euro 2024 on Friday night.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMark Halsey on France vs Netherlands VAR
      ENGLISH VAR officials . . . here we go again.
      Stuart Attwell took far too long to make a call on Xavi Simons’ strike and he got it wrong by sticking with the on-field decision.
      It was a ‘good’ goal because Denzel Dumfries should not have been adjudged offside.
      Holland’s Dumfries did not affect the line of vision for France keeper Mike Maignan, who made no attempt to save a shot he could not have reached.
      It means wing-back Dumfries was not involved in ‘active’ play.
      The VAR decision-making had been so slick in Germany up until last night.
      But with VAR Attwell, who should have sent English referee Anthony Taylor to the pitchside monitor, we had the slowest decision of Euro 2024 so far — which took just under three minutes.

      Xavi Simons thought he had given the Dutch a second-half lead, only for referee Taylor to disallow the goal after consulting his assistant.VAR Attwell, 41, then spent a lengthy amount of time reviewing the incident before he stuck with the on-field decision.’No excuse for that’ – Alan Shearer fumes at abject England as Three Lions legend says ‘Denmark deserved to win’ EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThis led to uproar among football fans, while Holland manager Ronaldo Koeman said: “If it’s offside, then you don’t need to spend five minutes touching your ear.”I don’t understand this. If you have this much doubt, you give a goal.”Dumfries did not hinder the goalkeeper. It wasn’t because of Dumfries that Maignan didn’t go for the ball, Maignan did not react because he simply couldn’t get to the ball anyway.”He would have never reached that ball. It’s a legal goal. Once again, he’s not disturbing the goalkeeper.”The game ended goalless as Netherlands and France move onto four points each heading into their final group games against Austria and Poland.Pundits and legends lay into EnglandENGLAND’s lifeless display in the 1-1 draw with Denmark left pundits and legends queuing up to take a dig at Gareth Southgate’s team.
      Here’s the best of what was said…
      ALAN SHEARER
      “Awful performance, particularly after going up in the game.
      “I don’t think one England player can look at themselves and say, ‘I’ve done my job tonight’.
      “England were all over the place, far too sloppy in possession, gave the ball away too much and got caught too many times.
      “There was no energy, no pace, no guile — Southgate is simply not getting the best out of England’s best players.
      “It’s concerning and Gareth will get some serious questions.
      “You saw England players lying on their backs — they look absolutely shattered but there’s no excuse for that.”
      GARY LINEKER
      The BBC host called the performance “lifeless and tepid”.
      On Harry Kane he said: “He needs his manager to ask more of him. I would have expected that if I’d put in that kind of performance.”
      RIO FERDINAND
      “The players don’t look the same as they do for their clubs. It is a big concern.”
      ROY KEANE
      “Courage and bravery, we’re not really seeing it.
      “There’s something amiss with the balance. Bellingham is waving his arms.
      “This is a big test for Gareth. It looks like he’s overthinking things.”
      JAMIE CARRAGHER
      “My big worry watching this and for the rest of the tournament?
      “England look absolutely knackered. They can’t get close to the ball.
      “The surest sign of fatigue is dropping deep.
      “Declan Rice is having to cover so much ground. No-one can convince me this is a strategy.”
      JACK WILSHERE
      “It’s strange that we have taken the lead in both games so far, yet instead of it settling us down and giving us the confidence to play, we have failed to take control.
      “But what was most worrying was that Denmark had a clear way of playing — while we didn’t.” More