In one of the new rule changes introduced for Euro 2024, a VAR call was explained on the big screen, so fans inside the stadium for Germany vs Scotland could see why it had been made
Euro 2024 started with a bang on Friday night, with hosts Germany taking on Scotland in Munich.
And it’s fair to say the first 45 minutes of action were chaotic, with the Germans taking a 3-0 lead into half-time. Goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz ensured the Scots, who have thousands of fans cheering them on in Germany, were given a huge wake-up call.
As well as three goals, there was plenty of drama too. With the hosts two goals up, they were awarded a penalty when Musiala went down in a heap after getting caught between Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney.
But VAR looked at the decision and decided that the foul was outside the box. And in one of the new rule changes introduced for this tournament, the VAR call was explained in detail on the big screen, so fans inside the stadium could see why it had been made. The big screen read: “Penalty cancelled. Foul was committed by Scotland’s No.11 (Christie) outside the penalty area.”
Currently in the Premier League, fans are only told what decision was made and get little insight into the process. But UEFA vowed to give more information and that was in full effect on Friday night.
The rule was implemented again when Germany were eventually given a penalty after Ilkay Gundogan was clattered by Ryan Porteous late in the first half. Referee Clement Turpin initially missed the incident but after going to the screen, he awarded the penalty and sent off Porteous for his two-footed challenge.
However there was confusion on ITV as the red card decision was not shown live on television screens. The camera instead panned to Gundogan, who appeared in pain, as commentator Sam Matterface confirmed the decision.
But TV viewers were unable to see the decision – and they slammed the broadcaster on social media. One said: “ITV didn’t even show the red card being issued live. Planks.” Another added: “Red card shown and we can’t even see it on ITV as they’re too busy showing Gundogan pulling up his socks.”
A third added: “Absolutely awful camerawork from ITV, why is camera not on referee as he issues the red card?” Following the red card incident, Havertz duly stepped up to make it 3-0 from the spot.
Before the game, ITV were slammed for their coverage of Euro 2024’s opening match between Scotland and Germany in Munich. Scottish fans can be found all across the host nation, with four per cent of the country said to have travelled but millions are still set to watch from home.
Those watching television were left frustrated as, with coverage on Friday night getting underway at 6.30pm BST, there was little time before attention turned to England. That is despite the Three Lions not playing for another two days.
An interview with Gareth Southgate was displayed early in the coverage building up to Scotland’s match. Viewers quickly took to social media site X to outline their grievances.
Former Celtic striker and Scotland cap Tony Watt vented his frustration on X. – formerly Twitter The 30-year-old said: “Turned ITV on and its coverage of England. Is it not Scotland Germany?”
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