Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has expressed his discontent over the referee's 'big mistake' in giving England a penalty in extra time during their Euro 2020 semi-final match against Denmark.
Referee Danny Makkelie awarded England the penalty after Raheem Sterling went down in box after a 'soft' challenge from two Denmark defenders. Speaking on ITV after the game, former England striker Ian Wright admitted England were 'lucky' to get a penalty.
Advert
Peter Schmeichel admitted the defeat is 'hard to accept' because he claims the referee made the wrong decision.
The legendary former player - who is the father of Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel - spoke to beIN SPORTS after the match saying: "He made a really big mistake on the penalty and this will be debated for a long, long time. It's a hard one to take because it's not a penalty.
"I would have been much more relaxed and acceptable if they had scored one of the many chances that they created, but unfortunately the referee made a big mistake in my opinion.
Advert
"I know in your opinion (points at other pundits in the studio) and everyone's opinion, my phone has not stopped going off, everyone else is saying it's not a penalty so I'm quite sure that I'm right in saying that."
Schmeichel's comments come as England faces disciplinary proceedings from UEFA over a fan shining a green laser in his son Kasper's face, along with two other charges regarding bad behaviour from England supporters.
The case is being dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB).
Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand also said he 'feels bitter' over the way his side were beaten after Kasper Schmeichel saved Harry Kane's penalty, which Kane followed up by netting the rebound to give England the victory.
Advert
"It was a penalty which should not have been a penalty," Hjulmand said. "It is something which annoys me right now. We are very disappointed.
"I know it sounds weird right now but I cannot help having these feelings. One thing is to lose a game, it happens, but losing this way is disappointing because these guys have fought a lot.
"It feels bitter but we have to digest this before we can discuss these feelings. It's a bitter way to leave the tournament."
Advert
Jose Mourinho also expressed his opinion about the incident on talkSPORT. He said: "It was never a penalty, never a penalty.
"England were really, really good and no doubts that deserved to win that match but for me it is never a penalty.
"I think at this level, especially at this level, the semi-final of a Euros, I don't understand the referee's decision and I don't understand even more why VAR didn't get the referee to go to the screen or overturn the decision."
Words: Ross Williams