Xavi Simons thought he had broken the deadlock in The Netherlands’ Euro 2024 group match against France, only for the youngster’s celebrations to be quickly cut short
There was VAR drama in the heavyweight Euro 2024 clash between France and The Netherlands, with English officials at the centre of the drama.
After a goalless first half in Leipzig, Xavi Simons thought he had fired the Oranje in front when his low-drilled effort found the back of Mike Maignan’s net. Within seconds, though, the flag was up to signify the goal would not stand.
For much of the Euros so far, the decision-making has been speedy. Semi-automated offsides have meant the long line-drawing delays common in the Premier League haven’t been a factor, while other contentious calls have been confirmed or denied quickly.
Not this time, though. Premier League referee Anthony Taylor was the man in the middle, with compatriot Stuart Attwell on VAR, and it took them a little longer to confirm the on-pitch decision and announce Simons’ goal would not stand.
The decision left several fans frustrated or flat-out baffled. “At least the Dutch fans will understand what it’s like having Taylor and Atwell officiating games,” one wrote on social media.
“Surprise, surprise. English officials Taylor and Atwell are the first of the tournament to make a shocking decision through VAR,” wrote another. “They’re trying to find a reason to take that goal off. Poor decision, you feel for the Netherlands.”
“Once again Taylor and Atwell prove that English referees are the worst in Europe,” wrote a third. “The longest VAR stoppage in the tournament. Atwell and Taylor. And guess what? They were wrong (again).”
Did the officials reach the right decision? Have your say in the comments section
While Dumfries didn’t touch the ball, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t offside and interfering with play. The ruling is a subjective one, based on whether the officials considered him to be preventing Maignan from getting to the shot.
According to the International Football Association Board’s laws of the game, a player can be deemed offside and interfering in several different situations, including:
- preventing an opponent from playing or
- being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or
- challenging an opponent for the ball or clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or
- making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball
A player is also deemed offside if they ‘[Gain] an advantage by playing the ball or interfering with an opponent when it has rebounded or been deflected off the goalpost, crossbar, match official or an opponent [or] been deliberately saved by any opponent.’
The main story ahead of the game concerned Kylian Mbappe, who was left out of the starting XI after breaking his nose in France’s victory over Austria. He didn’t play any part, but Les Bleus will hope he is fit to return against Poland in their final group game.
Despite the absence of their captain, France had enough chances to find the net. Antoine Griezmann was guilty of the two biggest misses, twice fluffing his lines from close range.
Aside from the disallowed goal, The Netherlands had a handful of other chances of their own. Arguably the best came in the very first minute through Jeremie Frimpong, but ultimately the spoils were shared.
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