120 minutes were played in the European Championship semi-finals between England and Denmark. However, the discussion lasted barely 120 seconds. The reason: an at least questionable referee decision and an unsportsmanlike light show.
The Danes’ dream is over – the popular figures failed in the EM semifinals on Wednesday evening because of the Englishmen who played patiently. Or was it the referee’s fault? That may sound like the most convenient excuse in the football world at first. But the decisive moment, the penalty for the Three Lions in the 104th minute of the game, provides plenty of material for discussion the day after.
Was referee Danny Makkelie’s penalty decision wrong? Shouldn’t the Dutchman have had to stop the game because there was a second ball on the grass? And then there is the thing with the laser pointer that English fans pointed at Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Second ball on the lawn – a reason to stop?
One after the other. In extra time, the English shake the Danish defense more and more violently. The guests seem tired, the gaps are getting bigger. From a Scandinavian point of view, the evil finally takes its course in the 102nd minute: winger Raheem Sterling moves from the far right into the penalty area – not only past his opponents, but also past a second ball. Should the game have been interrupted here?
The set of rules has a clear answer to this: If there is a second ball on the field, the referee can interrupt – but only if this second ball influences the game. In the end, of course, when this is the case is at the discretion of the referee. The ball doesn’t bother us that evening. Neither Sterling nor the defending Danes even glance at the stowaway. Yes, the man from Manchester City rushes just a few meters past ball number two – but nothing more. The game is not influenced, so it doesn’t have to be interrupted.
Was the penalty a bad decision?
A few seconds later: Sterling is now just before the goal area – and suddenly Joakim Maehle too. The Englishman falls, referee Makkelie whistles without hesitation. The repetition shows: Yes, there was a contact. Maehle’s knee touches – in fact it is not – Sterling’s calf. Video referee Pol van Boekel reviews the scene and refrains from contradicting it.
Can he even give the penalty? Theoretically yes. At least that’s how ex-Bundesliga referee and ZDF expert Manuel Gräfe sees it. Nonetheless, his colleague’s decision goes too far for him: “I would have said: continue playing because it fits the tournament, because it would also have matched the line of the referee.” In addition, sterling’s “drop pattern” already indicated that it was not sufficient for a penalty kick.
In the end, however, one thing remains: the Dutchman doesn’t have to, but can whistle. Which also clarifies the question of the role of the video assistant. In the rules of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) – the body that decides the rules of the game in football, it says: The referee may be supported by a video assistant “only in the case of clear and obvious wrong decisions or serious overlooked incidents”. Yes, the whistle was strict, maybe too strict – but not a crystal clear wrong decision.
Laser pointer blinds flattery
That would be enough material for a football talk show lasting several hours. But there is still the thing with the laser pointer. Shortly before Harry Kane starts what may be the all-important shot, Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel – who incidentally delivered an excellent performance – is blinded by a green beam of light.
The point of light initially remains on his chest, Schmeichel looks down at himself for a moment, confused. Then the beam travels towards the face. The Leicester City goalkeeper doesn’t seem to mind. At least the 34-year-old ignores the attempt at distraction, which must have its origin somewhere in the London stands. As if it were a defiant reaction, Schmeichel even parried the shot from striker Kane in the first attempt – but then had to admit defeat in the margin.
Either way: Such embarrassing diversionary maneuvers have no place in football. It’s disrespectful, not only towards Kasper Schmeichel, but ultimately also towards your own team. Imagine if Schmeichel hadn’t fended off Kane’s first attempt: The subsequent criticism would probably have been much harsher and a serious blemish for England’s entry into the finals.
Still: England deserved to win
People love football that two minutes of playing time can trigger such a debate. In spite of all this, England deserved to win in the end and for the first time in 55 years they have a chance of great success.
The Danes played with a lot of heart – despite or maybe because of the tragic failure of their top player Christian Eriksen so early in the tournament. “Danish Dynamite” can be proud of itself. The Three Lions can be proud of themselves. Just this one fan with his laser pointer who certainly isn’t.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
