Fans believe the referee should’ve halted play seconds before Raheem Sterling won a penalty for England vs Denmark – thanks to a second ball on the pitch.
Gareth Southgate’s side have reached the final of Euro 2020 after a 2-1 win over the Danes in extra-time.
Sterling won a penalty after being tripped by Joakim Mæhle and the decision was a controversial one.
Adding to that is the fact there was a second ball on the pitch just before Sterling burst into the box.
THERE WERE TWO BALLS ON THE PITCH WHEN PENALTY WAS CALLED?!
(via @PietroMazzara ) pic.twitter.com/uSLwpedtvO
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 7, 2021
The second ball was not directly interfering with play hence the lack of stoppage in play.
Harry Kane scored from the rebound after having his initial penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel.
It hasn’t stopped fans on social media voicing their opinion however and they’re furious with the decision.
Regardless of the fact that it wasn’t a penalty. Doesn’t the whistle always blow when a second ball is on the pitch? pic.twitter.com/ZduniTOeQK
— Narek #EdenSZN (@Narek_RMA1) July 7, 2021
Anyone else notice the second ball on the pitch as Sterling wins the penalty ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/crGWEFrvaU
— jonathan heath (@jonathanheath12) July 7, 2021
There was definitely two balls on the pitch, within meters of each other, as Sterling went into the box. Thought my brain glitched for a second, but isn’t play supposed to be stopped? #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/INzCWxkFwd
— Brandon Lee Portnoy (@BrandonPortnoy) July 7, 2021
Can we talk about the second ball pic.twitter.com/5Fyol5uICy
— SheeshF1|🇩🇪🤝🇩🇰 (@SheeshF1) July 7, 2021
So there was a second ball on the pitch, and a dive, and now this 🙄🤦🏻♀️ Feeling even sorrier for Denmark now 🙁 https://t.co/K4ms8rNO4Z
— Elaine Nelson (@MissEllieN) July 7, 2021
The Three Lions went behind on the half hour mark thanks to a spectacular free-kick from Mikkel Damsgaard.
The 21-year-old became the first player to score a direct free-kick at this summer’s tournament and smashed it past Jordan Pickford.
It was a set piece that caught the eye thanks to the Danes using their own wall to line-up against England’s, who conceded their first goal in six games.
Their lead would only last for nine minutes however as Bukayo Saka got in behind on the right hand side.
He put in a cross to Sterling, but Simon Kjaer turned the ball into his own net to bring the scores to 1-1.
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| Image: PA |
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| Image: PA |
Both sides had chances in the second half and Pickford denied Kasper Dolberg just before the hour mark.
Harry Maguire was denied by a diving Schmeichel moments later and the game went to extra-time.
Kane managed to put England ahead in extra-time and they held on for a historic win.
England will now face Italy on Sunday evening for a first chance at silverware since 1966.
Featured Image Credit: ITV Football