Virgil van Dijk expresses his frustration with English referees after the Netherlands had a goal ruled out for offside against France

  • Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk expressed his anger at the English referees
  • The Netherlands had a goal disallowed for offside in the draw against France
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Virgil van Dijk has expressed his frustration with the English referees after the Netherlands had a goal disallowed against France for offside.

The Group D match ended goalless, but the Netherlands thought they had scored in the 68th minute when Xavi Simons found the net.

Many VAR decisions at Euro 2024 were made quite quickly, but this assessment took a lot of time.

Dutch player Denzel Dumfries was offside in the build-up to the goal and was deemed to have interfered with play after the VAR check.

In his post-match interview, Van Dijk said: ‘We scored a goal which is a fair goal. He had no chance of getting into that corner. But yes, the English referee decided not to allow it.’

Virgil van Dijk expressed his anger at the English referees after the Netherlands had a goal disallowed for offside

Xavi Simons' goal in the 68th minute against France was disallowed for offside

Xavi Simons’ goal in the 68th minute against France was disallowed for offside

The decision was made by Premier League officials Anthony Taylor and Stuart Attwell, with the latter on VAR.

Michael Oliver is the only other Premier League referee at the tournament.

Wayne Rooney and Gary Lineker were critical of Taylor and Attwell over the incident.

Premier League referee Anthony Taylor made the decision together with VAR Stuart Attwell

Premier League referee Anthony Taylor made the decision together with VAR Stuart Attwell

Lineker suggested France goalkeeper Mike Maignan was not bothered by Dumfries, saying: “If he dived he would almost reach him.”

Rooney added: “If you go to the monitor it’s his own opinion. Onside, that’s a goal.’