Gary Neville and Ian Wright had alternative opinions about the penalty decision. (Image: ITV)
Gary Neville and Ian Wright came to blows over the decision to award England a penalty in their Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.
Harry Kane was brought down inside the penalty area by Denzel Dumfries, with referee Felix Zwayer initially waving away the England protests.
However, after a lengthy VAR check and being told to go to his monitor, the man in the middle changed his mind, with Kane stepping up to convert from 12 yards.
Neville wasn't pleased with the decision though, commenting on the ITV coverage: “Look as a defender, I think it’s an absolute disgrace. I think it’s an absolute disgraceful decision that. To have that given against him as a penalty at any time, but in a game of such importance...
"I was fuming with the one the other week, that Denmark one, the handball, that was a disgrace as well. I was offended by that one. I have to say, he just goes in naturally just to try and block the shot.
He added: "It’s not a penalty for me. It’s nowhere near a penalty, and I have to say, I don’t think there were many England players claiming for it either. Harry obviously stays down, he got a little bit of a tap on his foot, but it’s never a penalty for me.
"But obviously, you take your luck, and England have played really well in that first half.”
Wright was quick to hit back at the former Manchester United man, suggesting that the referee was correct to give the Three Lions a spot-kick.
Harry Kane converted from 12 yards for England. (Image: Getty)
The ITV pundit said: "Gary, I think when you look at the way penalties are given now and the way the game is and the things that go to VAR, that was reckless."
Neville replied: "Reckless?! That is not reckless, oh my..."
Before Wright responded: "From the way he’s challenged there... Gary, that’s why he’s given it! If that’s anywhere else on the pitch, you get a foul for it...
"Gary, his studs are up, listen it’s soft, you can say what you want, his studs are up! They’re given as penalties now!"
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Wright appeared to be on his own though, as Lee Dixon sided with fellow full-back Neville in agreeing the decision shouldn't have been given in England's favour.
Speaking on co-commentary duty for ITV, Dixon revealed the penalty call left him feeling "astonished", insisting the decision should've gone against England, not for them.
Alas, it did fall the way of the 1966 World Cup winners, with record goalscorer Kane making no mistake to square things up in Dortmund.
A sensational Xavi Simons goal had originally given the Dutch the advantage, with the midfield maestro netting after just seven minutes.
