The Raheem Sterling penalty controversy continues. There are accusations of UEFA giving England a ‘gift’ for helping thwart the European Super League.
England qualified dramatically for the Euro 2020 final. Gareth Southgate’s team beat Denmark 2-1 at Wembley Stadium, London, Thursday (8/7/2021) early morning hrs.
After a 1-1 draw in normal time, after Mikkel Damsgaard’s goal was avenged by Simon Kjaer’s own goal, England got the winning goal in extra time. The goal came from a penalty, which later became a debate.
The penalty was awarded after Sterling was fouled in the Danish box. While trying to get past Joakim Maehle and Mathias Jensen, the Manchester City player fell.
In slow view, the contact that occurs is barely visible. This created a debate as to whether Sterling accidentally fell, aka diving or was indeed violated.
Referee Danny Makkelie still pointed to the spot for England. Harry Kane stepped up to take the kick, was denied by Kasper Schmeichel, but the Tottenham Hotspur striker was able to continue the rebound into the Denmark goal. The 2-1 score lasted until the game broke up, England to the final of Euro 2020.
England’s victory eventually became controversial. Italian media even accused UEFA of the penalty ‘deliberately given’ because they felt they had been helped.
The aid was England’s stance against the European Super League, which was initiated by several clubs in April. At that time, 12 European giants from the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A wanted to create a rival event for the UEFA Champions League.
At the urging of the global community, English clubs were the first to withdraw from participation in the European Super League. British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, also made a statement against the European club league.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Sterling’s penalty went on to become UEFA’s reward for England’s attitude. The Italian newspaper claimed the penalty decision “confirmed suspicions of reciprocating favors” to the British PM. The article itself has now been deleted.
Another accusation came from Spain. Newspaper Brand I think Sterling’s penalty shouldn’t have happened.
“If we look at the game, Maehle’s little touch to the England striker can never be a penalty. Please …,” wrote Pablo Lopez.
“Yesterday’s VAR did not do it justice. It is a shame that in extra time a European Championship semi-final, a team could feel cheated by an action that was clearly avoidable,” he said.
Despite the debate, the Euro 2020 Final remains the property of England. Furthermore, the Three Lions Team will face Italy at Wembley Stadium, London, Monday (12/7) early morning WIB.
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