Fans joke it’s a ‘shock’ that Premier League refs took so long to disallow Xavi Simons’ goal in controversial decision in draw between Netherlands and France at Euro 2024
- Xavi Simons had his goal disallowed in the goalless draw against France
- The Netherlands thought they would be the winner of the 2024 European Championship
- Listen to It all starts! Declan Rice ‘had a shock’ against Denmark – but is the Arsenal midfielder the victim?
Social media mocked VAR after the Netherlands denied what would have been a winning goal against France, with the group of Premier League officials overseeing the longest control of the tournament so far.
Ronald Koeman thought his side had taken the lead in the 69th minute through Xavi Simmons’ brilliant reaction on the edge of the penalty area that flew past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Simmons led wild celebrations believing his goal was the difference after a stylish attacking play that saw the ball bounce to him while he was in an offside position.
Although his goal seemed out of reach for the French goalkeeper, it was decided that Denzel Dumfries was offside, making a save impossible.
Maignan had made a half attempt to get to the ball which was fired into the bottom corner and Dumfries appeared to have been behind the goalkeeper when the ball was fired in.
Social media mocked VAR after it denied Holland’s winning goal against France
The goal was ultimately disallowed by the VAR, who after review decided that Denzel Dumfries (right) interfered with the goal from an offside position
England referee Anthony Taylor oversaw the longest VAR check of the tournament so far
The incident was eventually dismissed after the longest VAR review of the tournament so far, with critics on social media quick to point out the delay.
Video replays and semi-automatic offside decisions have been quick to score goals this season, but it was Simons’ goal against France that took the longest.
Viewers reacted enthusiastically to the decision not to award the goal, with one commenting on of the gang in charge.”
The incident was ultimately disallowed after the longest VAR check of the tournament so far
Another said similarly: ‘Look how fast the VAR has been all tournament. The only match where it took a long time is because we have the English boys on VAR.’
A third message said: ‘Anthony Taylor spent the most time making a VAR decision of all the officials at #EURO2024. Imagine my shock.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United and England legend Rooney was furious with the VAR decision – which took several minutes to reach a decision – and told the BBC that the referee should have been sent to monitor the incident view the field.
“I think it’s a goal. It is impossible that this should not be allowed. If you go to the monitor, it is his own opinion. Get out of the way,” Rooney said.