Objective view

England experts on the penalty scene: “A disgrace”

TV pundit Gary Neville criticized referee Felix Zwayer for the penalty whistle for England.(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS, APA/AFP/Glyn KIRK)

Once again, a penalty whistle in a European Championship match has caused uproar and debate. Curiously, the English TV pundits felt the whistle in England's favor was "a disgrace".

The Dutch had taken an early lead through Xavi Simons in the 7th minute, but England were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute. Kane's instep crashed into the upright sole of Denzel Dumfries, the German referee Felix Zwayer decided on a penalty, which Kane safely converted, according to the TV pictures.

"A scandalous decision. For a penalty to be awarded like that, no matter when, and certainly not in such an important game," said former England international Gary Neville on the controversial scene. "Of course he goes in and tries to block the shot. That's never a penalty." Jamie Carragher also joined in. He wrote on X: "Never a penalty."

"Unnecessary as a goiter"
As so often, former top German referee Manuel Gräfe also criticized Zwayer's performance: "Zwayer as usual," wrote Gräfe on X. Gräfe criticized that Zwayer "simply lacked the line" in the game and that he did not have the competence of a top referee. "As if there was no one else in the whole of Europe. A blow for all referees of integrity and better referees and as unnecessary as a goiter."

England will now face Spain in the European Championship final on Sunday (9pm).