Dutch Boss Fumes at English Referee for Controversially Disallowing Xavi Simons’ Goal

• Dutch manager, Ronald Koeman, was unhappy with Anthony Taylor’s decision to disallow Xavi Simons’ goal vs France
• The former Barcelona trainer believes his side has been given a raw deal after playing out a goalless draw on Friday
• Nonetheless, the Dutch remain on top of Group D and are in pole position to qualify for the next round as group winners

Offside controversy dominated the headlines as the Netherlands and France played to a 0-0 draw in Group D in Leipzig, with Kylian Mbappe notably absent on Friday, June 21.

RB Leipzig forward, Xavi Simons, believed he had given the Netherlands the lead nine minutes after the hour mark, but the flag was raised for offside due to Denzel Dumfries’ involvement in the play.

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According to the BBC, centre referee Anthony Taylor disallowed the goal, with video assistant referee Stuart Attwell confirming the decision.

The call was contentious, as the ball found the bottom corner with goalkeeper Mike Maignan seemingly unprepared to dive.

Despite the debate, the English officials upheld the decision, resulting in the tournament’s first goalless draw.

Dutch boss fumes at controversial call

The controversial ruling frustrated Dutch manager Ronald Koeman, who expressed his displeasure in his post-match comments.

He argued that Taylor should have awarded the goal given the fine margins involved, stating:

“If it’s offside, then you don’t need to spend 4 minutes touching your ear. If you have this much doubt, you give a goal,” the former Barcelona gaffer said, as cited by The EuropeanLad.

What’s next for Koeman’s Netherlands?

Despite the draw, Koeman’s side remains at the summit of Group D, ahead of France on goal difference, and is guaranteed a spot in the knockout round, at least as one of the best third-placed teams.

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They will face Austria in their third and final group game on Tuesday, June 25.

Meanwhile, Das Team inflicted a 3-1 defeat on Robert Lewandowski’s Poland side, to boost their chances of sealing a spot in the round of 16.

Their victory means Poland became the first nation eliminated from Euro 2024 and will play for pride in their final group game against France on June 25.

Why didn’t Mbappe play against the Netherlands?

Sports Brief also reported that France coach, Didier Deschamps, revealed it was safer to keep Kylian Mbappe on the bench for Friday night’s game against the Netherlands.

Although Mbappe trained all week and was deemed fit for the match, Deschamps chose to keep his captain sidelined as Les Bleus drew with the 1988 European champions.