Virgil van Dijk has launched a tirade against referee Felix Zwayer after England qualified for the final of Euro 2024.
The Three Lions reached the last two, where they will face Spain on Sunday, as they bid to win their first ever European Championship, three years after losing in the Euro 2020 final.
After missing a great goal from Xavi Simons, Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot. The ball was whistled by pundits and fans, but it did not go in.
Shortly before the end of the match, Ollie Watkins, who had come on from the bench, scored to secure England a place in Sunday’s final. However, that goal was not without controversy either, as the Netherlands felt they should have been awarded a corner in the build-up to the match.
After the match, captain Van Dijk criticized Zwayer for his performance, stating that his actions during the match told the story of his performance.
Virgil van Dijk (left) has called for officials to be ‘held accountable’ after the Netherlands’ elimination from Euro 2024
The Dutch captain criticised referee Felix Zwayer for his performance in the semi-final against England
The Netherlands were eliminated from the competition in the round of 16 on Wednesday evening
“I don’t know if I should say anything about that,” he told beIN Sports. “I told the Dutch media. I think it says enough that the referee went in quite quickly after the game.
‘I didn’t have time to shake his hand. But it is what it is, the game is over, we lost, there were moments when it was clear they should have gone our way, but they didn’t, whatever the outcome.
“It’s hard to accept this. It’s been a tough year. We had a big dream and we felt we could make it come true.
“They keep changing certain things, small changes that can have a big impact. Maybe it’s good that they are held accountable too.
‘They didn’t come here to talk to you and explain themselves, like we have to do when we do something wrong.
“That could be something. But I shouldn’t talk about others and we need to look at ourselves.”
Denzel Dumfries was accused of bringing down Kane after the Three Lions captain fired a shot over the bar, with ITV analysts Gary Neville calling the decision “a disgrace”.
Jamie Carragher also fiercely criticised the decision on social media, while fans suggested the referee made the wrong decision despite it being in England’s favour.
Van Dijk was shown a yellow card for protesting a late decision that went in England’s favour and led to the winning goal
England were also awarded a controversial penalty in the first half for a foul on Harry Kane
Van Dijk made an emotional impression after his team was eliminated in the semi-finals
Later in the match, when Stones headed the ball out, the Netherlands thought they had a corner, but the referee signalled it should have been a goal kick, leading to Watkins’ goal.
Van Dijk was shown a yellow card for his protests, with the defender visibly emotional during half-time.