Stunning turn of events at Euro 2024, former Dutch football star Pierre van Hooijdonk has launched a scathing attack on referee Felix Zwayer, calling for him to be ‘blacklisted’ following the Netherlands’ heartbreaking exit at the hands of England. The match, which saw England emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, was marred by a contentious penalty decision by Zwayer, ultimately influencing the outcome.
Xavi Simons set the tone early with a spectacular long-range strike, only to be matched by Harry Kane’s equalizer from the penalty spot, awarded after a controversial VAR review overseen by Zwayer. The match reached its climax with Ollie Watkins sealing England’s win with a late, stunning finish, leaving Dutch fans and players alike stunned and disheartened.
Van Hooijdonk, who earned 46 international caps for the Netherlands, did not mince words in his criticism of Zwayer, declaring, “They can thank Felix Zwayer. He really needs to be blacklisted.” He condemned Zwayer’s officiating throughout the match, highlighting critical moments, including a disputed whistle in the second half that impacted the game’s flow.
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Virgil van Dijk, visibly frustrated after the match, echoed similar sentiments regarding the officiating, expressing disappointment that Zwayer swiftly exited without allowing the Dutch team to shake his hand—a customary gesture after matches. Van Dijk called for transparency from referees, suggesting they should be held accountable for their decisions, much like players are.
With England advancing to face Spain in the tournament final, the fallout from Zwayer’s decisions continues to resonate, sparking debates about refereeing standards and their impact on high-stakes matches. As the football world processes this dramatic turn of events, calls for greater accountability and scrutiny of officiating decisions are likely to intensify, underscoring the passion and scrutiny that define international football competitions like Euro 2024.
