The Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed what referee Felix Zwayer did immediately after the final whistle.
On Wednesday night, Gareth Southgate’s men left it late once again as Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute strike sealed England’s place in Sunday night’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.
The Three Lions found themselves 1-0 down after just seven minutes due to Xavi Simons’ brilliant strike but levelled the match from 12 yards after a controversial penalty decision.
Eventually, England sealed a 2-1 win to make back-to-back Euro finals.
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Speaking after the final whistle, a dejected Netherlands captain Van Dijk spoke about the referee, he said: “The referee ran back inside straight after the FT whistle, that says a lot.”
The Dutch were left unhappy after the controversial penalty, as well as his failure to award a corner when a ball came off John Stones last.
Van Dijk added: “I have no words. To concede so late, that is terrible. This hurts so much. I have to stand here, but I don't even know what to say. This hurts so much.”
Former Dutch footballer Pierre van Hooijdonk said on NOS: “Felix Zwayer, put him on the black list. The penalty in the first half, the many moments in the second half, these moments have decided the final outcome of this game.”
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Speaking after England’s win, former striker Alan Shearer said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “At times, yes Gareth Southgate has been criticised. But, in that first half tonight I thought it was magnificent, it was more like what we wanted - he deserves all the credit.”
Ex-Manchester City player Izzy Christiansen added: “There seemed to be this deep strength within Gareth Southgate. He was fainting to the crowd and I lip read him, he said 'one more' to the crowd and the crowd responded to him.
“There seemed to be so much that come out from him in that moment.”
Topics: Netherlands, England, Football, Virgil Van Dijk, Euro 2024
Marcus Chan