VAR Controversy: Reason why Harry Kane was awarded a penalty during Netherlands vs England match (1-2) at Euro 2024 after Denzel Dumfries challenge

Harry Kane was controversially awarded a penalty following contact in the area from Denzel Dumfries, a Dutch player.

Ally McCoist has reprimanded his commentary partner, Lee Dixon, for disregarding a controversial penalty that was awarded to England.

England captain Harry Kane was engaged in a collision in the box with Denzel Dumfries as the Bayern Munich man sought to take a shot at goal, with the Netherlands leading 1-0 in the Euro 2024 semi-final. The game continued until referee Felix Zweyer was summoned to the monitor by the VAR crew to review the flashpoint. Ultimately, he pointed to the spot.

This presented Kane with the opportunity to equalize the match in Germany, and he executed the shot flawlessly from 12 yards. Dixon was unable to conceal his joy on air, as he dismissed any potential controversy: “I am pleased, don’t misunderstand.” However, from the perspective of the defender, it is imperative to contest the object. I am of the opinion that this is not a penalty; however, I am not concerned.

However, the Rangers legend McCoist was not amenable to his commentary partner’s dismissal: “I will give you my tuppence’s worth at this time.” In reality, Harry Kane has kicked the defender because he is following through in order to attempt the shot. The defender is pursuing the ball.

The Scotland legend would subsequently express his skepticism regarding the implementation of VAR, stating, “I do not consider it a penalty.” You were aware that it would be awarded as soon as the referee reviewed it; however, I am of the opinion that it is not a plain and obvious error.

In the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands, Harry Kane scored an equalizer for England following a contentious VAR penalty decision.

In the semi-final of the Euro 2024 tournament on Wednesday, Harry Kane controversially equalized for England against the Netherlands following a VAR penalty decision that left ITV commentator Lee Dixon “astonished.”

In the 14th minute, Denzel Dumfries believed he had avoided punishment after colliding with Harry Kane inside the area. However, referee Felix Zwayer reversed his decision to award a goal kick after being instructed by the VAR to consult his monitor. Gary Neville called it “a disgraceful decision,” and Jamie Carragher wrote on X, “Never a penalty.” However, that did not deter Gareth Southgate and Kane, as the England captain scored from 12 yards out to equalize the score at 1-1.

Dale Johnson, a VAR authority, has supplied an explanation for the reason why Bastian Dankert, the VAR, intervened. Johnson concluded that the initial judgment of Zwayer was reversed as a result of the manner in which Dumfries challenged, with his studs raised.

“What reason has Dankert recommended a penalty?” He has interpreted the nature of Dumfries’ challenge, which involves leading with the studs rather than attempting to strike through the ball, as reckless, which is why the Netherlands’ player was booked, according to Johnson. “And that’s the one area when a defender catching an attacker after a shot is worth seeing as a penalty – when it’s reckless or dangerous.”

Additionally, Johnson is of the opinion that the VAR was influenced by Kane’s prolonged agony.

Xavi Simons capitalized on Declan Rice’s lack of concentration in midfield to advance and send a stunning goal past Jordan Pickford from a distance after seven minutes.

Nevertheless, German referee Felix Zwayer awarded England a penalty approximately ten minutes later, following a collision between Kane and Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries within the penalty area.

Before his deflected strike fell to an anticipating Kane, Bukayo Saka had executed a menacing charge into the area from the left.

The England captain launched his strike over the bar, but he promptly collapsed in agony beneath a challenge from Dumfries.

The 28-year-old attempted to block the ball, and replays indicated that he clipped him with his studs. However, there was no indication that this was being treated as an infraction.

Nevertheless, a note appeared on the screen indicating that VAR was investigating a potential penalty, causing a stunned reaction from ITV’s commentary studio. Dixon, Ally McCoist, and Sam Matterface were the ones behind the reaction.

Zwayer was directed to the pitchside monitor following a brief review, but he promptly pointed to the location, causing confusion among the viewers and ITV’s commentators.

It was not unexpected that Kane scored from the penalty spot in the 18th minute, firing low into the bottom corner to bring England even.

The 30-year-old, who scored his third goal of Euro 2024, is now a joint leader in the competition for the Golden Boot, alongside a number of other players, including Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands.

Kane also matched Alan Shearer’s record for the most goals scored for England at the European Championships by scoring his seventh.

The Netherlands’ early lead was met with an impressive response from England, who played their most impressive 45 minutes of the tournament thus far in the first half.

Repaying Gareth Southgate’s confidence, Kobbie Mainoo delivered another confident performance in midfield alongside Rice, leaving viewers salivating.

Phil Foden has had a disappointing tournament; however, at the Westfalenstadion, he emerged from his shell, causing the Dutch defense to struggle and hitting the post with an audacious effort.

However, the Netherlands issued their own warning when Dumfries nearly exacted revenge for the penalty decision by slamming a header against the crossbar.

The champion of the Berlin final on Sunday in Dortmund will face a formidable challenge against Spain, which has a perfect record.