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Fans have slammed the decision to award England a penalty in their Euro 2024 semi-final tie against the Netherlands.
England had trailed earlier through a stunner from Xavi Simons, but were handed a controversial spot kick when Harry Kane hit the deck before the 20-minute mark.
The Bayern Munich forward had already skied his effort when he was clipped by Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries, who was booked for his role in the goal, which was awarded after a VAR check.
Referee Felix Zwayer had originally awarded the goal kick, but changed his mind after being sent to the monitor.
Former England defender-turned pundit Jamie Carragher led the criticism on social media, claiming that the challenge was ‘never a penalty’ despite his fellow countrymen benefitting.
Gary Neville, meanwhile, branded the call an ‘absolute disgrace’ on ITV punditry.
Another fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ‘If that’s a penalty, Im done watching football.’
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Another wrote: ‘That’s not a penalty in my books. Too soft!’
A third wrote: ‘Not even a penalty. Anything to help Gareth keep his job.’
Kane nonetheless scored from the spot, slotting in his third goal of the tournament as he blasted past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Verburggen had tried to distract Kane in the lead up to the kick, but Kieran Trippier was on hand to separate the two players.
The decision came after Kane had shot high, seemingly kicking into Dumfries, but the referee adjudged that he had been clipped as he took the shot, sending him to the ground.
Another fan wrote of the decision: ‘Never a penalty in any version of the sport at any point in history. That is a bonkers decision.’
Another posted: ‘Harry Kane can kick people and still win penalties. The man is unmatched.’
England were laregely on top in a first half of several chances, but went into the break level on the back of Simons and Kane’s goals.
Both sides were vying for a spot in Sunday’s final, where they would take on Spain.