Why VAR Overturned Referee Felix Zwayer’s Call & Awarded Harry Kane Penalty in England vs Netherlands Euro Semi-Finals

It is safe to say the England vs Netherlands match has lived up to the hype of being a UEFA Euro semi-final match. Within 7 minutes, the Netherlands star Xavi Simons opened the scoring, but England’s Harry Kane quickly responded with a penalty goal. However, just like numerous other penalties, this one also stirred some controversy.

Referee Felix Zwayer did not initially give the penalty out. However, a few seconds later, VAR intervened and awarded the spot-kick. So why did this happen? To understand why, let’s review the rules.

Why was Harry Kane awarded the penalty?

After the initial collision between Harry Kane and Denzel Dumfries, the striker fell to the ground while holding onto his foot. The VAR was then consulted after seeing the extent of the Bayern Munich star’s pain. This led to Felix Zwayer going to the video screen to review the collision himself.

The replays unmistakably revealed Dumfries making a late challenge and catching Harry Kane’s foot with a high boot, without making contact with the ball. According to soccer regulations, “A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.” In such cases, a free-kick or penalty is awarded depending on the situation.

This was the case here, and Denzel Dumfries was even given a yellow card for this challenge. As a result, the referee awarded England a penalty, which Harry Kane went on to bury into the bottom left corner. Nonetheless, this has been one controversial call that many fans have not agreed with. Even one English legend himself has come out to call out this penalty decision.

Jami Carragher believes the penalty was a wrong call

Yes, the former England defender Jamie Carragher has come forward to slam the decision, made in favor of his own country. The ex-Liverpool star took to X to share his disagreement with the penalty given to Harry Kane. He wrote, “Never a penalty,” along with two laughing emojis.

Several fans agreed with this claim, with one netizen going on to say, “That’s called “whatever it takes for Southgate to keep his job” decision.”

Another fan harshly criticized the decision, stating, “If that is a penalty, I am done watching football. Disgusting sport.” With England ultimately winning the match with Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute goal, it is safe to assume this penalty could become the talking point for several days to come.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.