Gary Lineker has described Romelu Lukaku’s late disallowed goal in Belgium’s shock defeat to Slovakia as ‘bulls***’.
The powerful striker looked to have secured a point for Belgium in their Euro 2024 opener, only to see his effort controversially ruled out by VAR.
While Lukaku wasn’t at fault, VAR confirmed that Lois Openda had committed a handball offence in the build-up to the goal, giving him an advantage on the defender.
As a result, the score remained 1-0 to Slovakia who secured a shock victory over Domenico Tedesco’s side in what’s been the shock of the tournament so far.
Commenting on the controversial decision on X, BBC host Lineker wrote: “Bulls*** decision!”
Meanwhile Dean Ashton, who was on co-commentary duty for talkSPORT, also thought the call was harsh.
He said: “It feels wrong. It feels so, so wrong. He’s battling with a 6ft 3ins defender.”
Ashton then added: “Letter of the law, but it’s nonsense.
“It grazes his fingers, but he doesn’t gain an advantage.”
Lukaku had already been denied one goal against Slovakia after VAR adjudged him to be offside following Leandro Trossard‘s cross earlier in the second half.
The Chelsea striker missed a series of chances in the game which was decided by Ivan Schranz’s seventh-minute strike after a mix-up at the back for Belgium.
As a result, Belgium sit third in Group E ahead of Ukraine on goal difference and trailing Romania and Slovakia who are first and second respectively.
talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of EVERY game at Euro 2024. Tune in via the website here or the app here, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the latest news, views and reaction to the big moments.