In Euro 2024, a controversial VAR decision involving a Premier League official sparked frustration for Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.
In Euro 2024, a controversial VAR decision involving a Premier League official sparked frustration for Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.
The incident occurred during the Netherlands’ second group-stage match against tournament favourites France on Friday night.
Despite high expectations, the match was lackluster, with Ronald Koeman’s team working hard to secure a draw and a likely spot in the knockout stages. Midway through the second half, Netherlands appeared to have taken the lead when Xavi Simons scored from the edge of the area. However, controversy arose over whether Denzel Dumfries obstructed French goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s view, preventing him from saving Simons’ shot.
After a nearly three-minute review, referee Stuart Attwell ruled the goal invalid, leaving the match to end in a 0-0 draw. Van Dijk expressed his frustration to Optus Sport post-match, stating, “We scored a goal that is a fair goal. [Maignan] had no chance to get into that corner, but the English referee decided to disallow it.”
The decision was met with criticism, as fans and pundits noted the pattern of contentious VAR decisions involving Premier League officials.
In his press conference, Koeman echoed these sentiments, as reported by the Mirror. He argued, “If it’s offside, then you don’t need to spend five minutes touching your ear. I don’t understand this. If you have this much doubt, you give a goal! Dumfries did not hinder the goalkeeper. It wasn’t because of Dumfries that Maignan didn’t go for the ball; Maignan did not react because he simply couldn’t get to the ball anyway. He would have never reached that ball. It’s a legal goal. Once again, he’s not disturbing the goalkeeper.”
The decision left many questioning the consistency and clarity of VAR, particularly when Premier League referees are involved.
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