Dutch coach Koeman says ‘VAR breaks football’ after England loss

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman expressed his frustration with the use of video assistant referees (VAR) after England were awarded a controversial penalty in their Euro 2024 semi-final clash. The Dutch had taken an early lead through Xavi Simons’ powerful strike, but England equalized after a contentious decision involving Harry Kane and Denzel Dumfries.

The incident occurred when Dumfries made contact with Kane after the England captain had already missed his shot. Initially, no penalty was awarded, but referee Felix Zwayer reversed his decision after consulting VAR and the pitch-side monitor. Kane converted the penalty, and substitute Ollie Watkins scored a late winner, securing England’s place in the final against Spain.

Gary Neville has claimed England’s penalty decision was a ‘disgrace’ 😬 pic.twitter.com/E8ayYABEuX

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Koeman criticized the decision, saying, “In my opinion it should not have been a penalty. He kicked the ball and the boots touched. I think that we cannot play properly football and this is due to VAR. It really breaks football.”