Gary Neville fumes ‘it’s a disgrace’ at England penalty decision as Man Utd legend admits referee ‘offended’ him
GARY NEVILLE slammed the referee over his controversial decision to award England a penalty against the Netherlands.
Harry Kane equalised from the spot after being caught late in the box by Denzel Dumfries after blazing his shot over the bar.
Referee Felix Zwayer initially decided not to point to the spot but reversed his decision following a review of the incident on the VAR monitor, much to fans delight.
But Neville believes his first call was the correct one and was heavily critical of the decision to award a penalty.
He fumed on ITV, saying: “I think it’s an absolute disgrace. It’s an absolutely disgraceful decision. To have that given against me as a penalty at any time, but in a game of such importance.
“I was fuming with the one the other week. The Denmark one the handball. That was a disgrace as well, I was offended by that one.
“He goes in naturally just to try and block the shot. It’s not a penalty it’s nowhere near a penalty and I have to say I don’t think there were many England players claiming for it either.
“It’s never a penalty but you take your luck.”
Ian Wright disagreed with his colleague, claiming Dumfries’ challenge was “reckless”.
That incensed Neville further who hit back saying: “Reckless?! That is not reckless.
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England’s penalty shootout record
THE dreaded penalty shootout.
England’s nemesis at no fewer than EIGHT major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.
But the perfect shootout win over Switzerland at Euro 2024 gives some reason for optimism…
- 1990 World Cup semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 04/07/1990 – LOST 4-3
- Euro 1996 quarter-final vs SPAIN, 22/06/1996 – WON 4-2
- Euro 1996 semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 26/06/1996 – LOST 6-5
- Friendly vs BELGIUM, 29/05/1998 – LOST 4-3
- 1998 World Cup last 16 vs ARGENTINA, 30/06/1998 – LOST 4-3
- Euro 2004 quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 24/06/2004 – LOST 6-5
- 2006 World Cup quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 01/07/2006 – LOST 3-1
- Euro 2012 quarter-final vs ITALY, 24/06/2012 – LOST 4-2
- 2018 World Cup last 16 vs COLOMBIA, 03/07/2018 – WON 4-3
- Nations League third-place play-off vs SWITZERLAND, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5
- Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2
- Euro 2024 quarter-final vs SWITZERLAND, 06/07/24 – WON 5-3
- OVERALL: Played 12 Won 4, Lost 8
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“We’re all going mad, we don’t know what a penalty is. We’ve conditioned ourselves now in the game whereby we think that’s reckless and we think that’s reckless.
“Honestly that is not a penalty.
“I think in the box I think there is a bit of license for a defender to go in with honesty and block the shot.
“There has got to be a bit of license otherwise you’re never blocking a shot.”