Wild scenes as Harry Kane scores for England v Denmark
Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger have joined the chorus of criticism about the decision that saw England beat Denmark in extra-time on Wednesday evening.
Raheem Sterling was adjudged to have been fouled in the box, but Mourinho said it was “never a penalty”.
Harry Kane saw his resulting penalty saved by Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, only to tuck home the rebound to give England a 2-1 lead that ultimately proved enough to send them into the Euro 2020 final.
The result was just-reward for an excellent performance by Gareth Southgate’s side. But Mourinho says the decision itself was very soft.
“England were fantastic but, for me, it was never a penalty,” the former Spurs manager told TalkSport.
“At this level, the semi-final of the Euros, I don’t understand the referee’s decision and even less why the Var did not bring the referee to the screen.
“I'm very happy that England won. As a football man, I am disappointed that a penalty was given.”
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Peter Schmeichel, the father of the beaten Denmark goalkeeper Kasper, also revealed that he has been inundated with angry comments about the decision from fellow Danes.
“Everyone says that it is not a penalty,” Schmeichel said. “This will be debated for a very long time.
“It’s a hard one to take. It’s not a penalty. I would have been much more relaxed and accepting if they scored one of the many chances they created.
“Unfortunately the referee made a big mistake. Anyway, we are very proud of the Danish team - we leave the tournament with honour.”
Should Harry Kane's penalty have stood? (Image: GETTY)
England will face Italy in the final of Euro 2020 on Sunday evening, with kick-off at 8pm at Wembley Stadium.
Kane is just one goal off the top-scoring charts for the tournament, having won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup.
Italy beat Spain on penalties to reach Sunday’s showpiece final, with Roberto Mancini’s side heralded by many as the most impressive side at the tournament so far.
The visit to the final is England’s first at a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.