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The first funny VAR decision at Euro 2024 usually came from Premier League officials, with Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk left frustrated.
Van Dijk captains the Netherlands in their second group stage game on Friday night against tournament favorites France.
Although billed as one of the most exciting games of the round, it proved to be a low-quality affair as Ronald Koeman’s side dug in to avoid defeat and secure a knockout place.
The Netherlands could – and should – have won it, however, when Xavi Simmons struck from the edge of the area midway through the second half.
The celebration was cut short, however, with referee Anthony Taylor saying Denzel Dumfries was in an offside position when Simmons took the shot.
A lengthy VAR check ensued – otherwise breaking the norm from what has been an almost trouble-free tournament so far – as Taylor’s Premier League counterpart Stuart Attwell assessed the situation.
It was a subjective call as to whether Dumfries blocked keeper Mike Maignan trying to save Simons’ effort and after almost three minutes, Attwell ruled the goal should not stand.
This is Virgil van Dijk on ???? disallowed goal of the Netherlands ??#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/7c3BrCWvfX
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 21, 2024
The game was played to a 0-0 draw and speaking to Optus Sport after the game, Van Dijk said: “We scored a goal which is a fair goal.
“(Maignan) didn’t have a chance to go into that corner but the English referee decided to disallow it.”
It seems no coincidence that VAR’s first major problem at the Euros came with the Premier League leaders, but it was not lost on fans of various clubs and countries.
Stuart Attwell is sticking to Premier League principles by taking forever to make that VAR call.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) June 21, 2024
“Stuart Attwell on VAR” has to be among the worst words a football fan can hear.
— Swiss Ramble (@SwissRamble) June 21, 2024
Every decision at the Euros was made with precision and speed, and then they got Stuart Attwell on VAR
— Paddy (@PaddyArsenal) June 21, 2024
Stuart Attwell with the longest VAR check of the tournament. You couldn’t redeem yourself??? #NFFC #EURo2024
— Sarcastic Forest (@SarcasticForest) June 21, 2024
Only Anthony Taylor and Stuart Attwell could bring VAR delays to an otherwise flawless (so far) contest.
It makes you proud to be English. ???????
— Amos Murphy (@AmosMurphy_) June 21, 2024
English officials, eh? UEFA should not employ them.
— Ged Rea (@ged0407) June 21, 2024
Stuart Attwell and Anthony Taylor have just ruined the tournament. Funny.
— Everton Extra (@Everton_Extra) June 21, 2024
Anthony Taylor did well in a big game last night. He was badly let down by his friend on var. Stuart Attwell is not a good official for me and somehow he gets invited to be at the Euros!! #was pic.twitter.com/nclwdc1Bw2
— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) June 22, 2024
Infecting the euro with our good processes
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) June 21, 2024
It’s a shame…. #EURo2024
— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) June 21, 2024
Speaking at the post-match press conference, according to A mirrorKoeman summed up the farce, saying: “If he’s offside, then you don’t have to spend five minutes touching your ear.
“I do not understand this. If you doubt it so much, score a goal!
“Dumfries didn’t bother the keeper. Maignan didn’t go for the ball because of Dumfries, Maignan didn’t react because he just couldn’t get to the ball anyway.
“He would never get to that ball. That is the legal objective. Once again, don’t disturb the keeper.”
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