Laser pen, dubious penalty decision mar England win

England beat Denmark 2-1 on Wednesday in their Euro semi-final but that win came after two controversies.

In the 104th minute of the match, Denmark’s keeper Kasper Schmeichel was targeted by a spectator, who shone a laser pen on him, as England captain Harry Kane stepped up for a penalty in extra time to give the home side a 2-1 win during Wednesday’s match at Wembley.

The keeper saved Kane’s initial effort but could not stop the rebound which sent Gareth Southgate’s side into Sunday’s final against Italy.

UEFA said on Thursday that they will probe the matter and opened disciplinary proceedings against England on the matter.

Another controversy erupted over the legitimacy of the penalty awarded to England at extra time – that proved to be the match winner.

Referee Danny Makkelie’s awarded a penalty that was backed by VAR. The decision received sharp criticism from former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho as well as legendary Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger.

“It was never a penalty! Especially at this level, the semi-final of a Euro. I don’t understand the decision,” Mourinho, told talkSPORT.

“No penalty, I don’t understand why VAR didn’t ask the referee to look at it!” Wenger said on a post-match show broadcast.

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand also said he cannot understand how a decisive penalty was awarded against his team in the 2-1 loss to England in the European Championship semifinals.

Hjulmand said: “It was a penalty that shouldn’t have been a penalty and it’s something that annoys me right now.”

Hjulmand further said it’s one thing is to lose a game “but this is a disappointment. It’s bitter”.

England coach Gareth Southgate defended the call saying: “There is VAR so I assume they checked it and stuck with the referee’s decision.”

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