Gary Neville criticizes referee for awarding controversial penalty to England during semi-final against Netherlands

The questionable decision by the referee to give England a penalty versus the Netherlands i in the second semi-final of the UEFA Euro 2024 drew criticism from Gary Neville. Denzel Dumfries grabbed Harry Kane late in the area after he had fired his attempt over the crossbar, allowing Kane to equalize from the spot.

To the surprise of the spectators, referee Felix Zwayer changed his mind after reviewing what had happened on the VAR screen and opted to point to the spot. Neville, however, strongly disagreed with the penalty judgment and feels that his initial call was the right one.

While speaking on ITV, the former Manchester United defender said that, "I think it's an absolute disgrace. It's an absolutely disgraceful decision. To have that given against me as a penalty at any time, but in a game of such importance. I was fuming with the one the other week. The Denmark one the handball. That was a disgrace as well, I was offended by that one.”

He added, "He goes in naturally just to try and block the shot. It's not a penalty it's nowhere near a penalty and I have to say I don't think there were many England players claiming for it either. It's never a penalty but you take your luck."

“When we go to VAR, that was reckless” : Ian Wright on penalty awarded to England

Former Arsenal legend Ian Wright disagreed with the opinion of Gary Neville as he said, "When you look at the way penalties are given now and the way the game is when we go to VAR, that was reckless." Neville was quick to react to that statement as he said, "Reckless? That is not reckless. Oh my God."

Ian Wright stood by the verdict as he ended the debate by saying that, "But Gary, he's given it. That's why we've got VAR. If that was anywhere else on the pitch you'd get a foul for it!"