After England’s 2-1 win over Denmark to book their final with Italy, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has questioned the referee Danny Makkelie on why he awarded the penalty that led to the second goal. The manager believes that the decision to award England a penalty was wrong as he believes they were no foul in the tackle.
Arsene Wenger Questioned Referee over England’s Penalty Decision
Denmark and England played out a 1-1 draw in the full minute of play in the game. They were forced into the extra time where the penalty was awarded. In the first half extra-time, England was awarded a controversial penalty after Raheem Sterling went down easily under Joakim Mæhle’s challenge.
Harry Kane, whose initial attempt was saved by Kasper Schmeichel, converted the rebound to send England through to Sunday’s final with Italy. Arsene Wenger thinks the decision was not right, and he questioned why the Video Assistance Referee was not consulted.
He said: “No penalty.” “I don’t understand why they don’t ask the referee to have a look at it.” “In a moment like that, it’s important that the referee is absolutely convinced that it was a penalty. It was not clear enough to say: ‘yes it is,’ and at least he should have had a look on the screen.”
“I don’t know why the VAR didn’t ask him to go. For me, it was no penalty, no. I think that VAR has let the referee down, not Denmark. Denmark is a bit unfortunate.” “I understand that it’s difficult for the referee, but he must have a look at it.”
Arsene Wenger, who is currently FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, posited that VAR should have been consulted by the referee. The win saw England reached their first major final since the 1966 World Cup.
