A lengthy VAR check that deemed Denzel Dumfries to be offside during the Group D clash between France and the Netherlands has become a major talking point.
In the 68th minute of Friday’s game in Leipzig, it looked like Xavi Simons had put his country ahead when his first time shot beat France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Simons’ effort was drilled into the bottom right corner, leaving Maignan with no chance between the sticks. In fact, the 28-year-old didn’t attempt to make a save.
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But after a lengthy check, referee Anthony Taylor and VAR assistant Stuart Attwell decided to disallow the goal, suggesting that Dumfries was offside and interfering with play.
Here is that moment.
The Dutch think they have taken the lead but after a lengthy VAR check from the English officials, the goal is ruled out.❌
What did you make of it? #BBCEuros #Euro2024 #NEDFRA pic.twitter.com/spedGxVOjW
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 21, 2024
Many fans jumped to criticise Taylor and Attwell after the goal was ruled out.
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One fan said; “Shocker. VAR has been fine again this summer, as it was at Euro 2020. Until Anthony Taylor and Stuart Attwell got involved. Twice.”
A second wrote: “Of course it’s the English officials taking the longest and making the biggest mess of VAR. Of course. No other officials have taken this long.”
A third commented: “The first controversial VAR decision involving an English referee. I am shocked.”
A fourth said: “Typical that the English officials take an eternity over a VAR call and seemingly come to the wrong conclusion. Replay from behind the goal provided clear enough context for the goal to stand.”
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A fifth added: “VAR has been flawless and so quick that it’s not been a hinderance on any game this tournament…right up until the one with Anthony Taylor, Stuart Atwell and the rest of the gang officiating it.”
Image credit: NOS
ESPN’s VAR expert Dale Johnson also gave his thoughts on the incident.
“I thought that would be disallowed the moment the goal was scored,” he said on X, formerly Twitter. “The position of Dumfries close to Maignan could be interpreted to influence the keeper.
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“Ecuador had a goal ruled out against Netherlands at the World Cup in very similar circumstances.”
Premier League referees Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor have been selected to officiate at this summer’s tournament in Germany, while Stuart Attwell and David Coote will be video assistant referees.
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