“Person sitting in the VAR room was Stevie Wonder” - France legend claims Netherlands were denied ‘clear goal’ in Euro 2024 clash
French legend Patrice Evra reckons the Netherlands were denied a clear goal in their Euro 2024 clash with France on Friday (June 21). Evra said that the VAR's decision to cancel Xavi Simons's goal in the second half for offside was wrong.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network's Football Extraaa, Patrice Evra criticised the VAR's decision as a "shocking" one, joking that the legendary singer Stevie Wonder was present at the VAR checking room during the match.
“It’s a shocking decision, that should be a goal. Someone should tell me about this rule.
"The Dutch player was not blocking Maignan’s view. Maybe the person sitting in the VAR room tonight was Stevie Wonder. It’s a clear goal. As a Frenchman, I should be finding an excuse, but I can’t; it’s a goal.” Evra said.
The Netherlands were forced to settle for a goalless draw against France in their Group D clash. After French goalkeeper Maignan had denied Memphis Depay's shot, Xavi Simons deposited a rebound in the French net in the 68th minute, scoring the goal that could've led the Netherlands to the Round of 16.
However, the Dutch celebrations were cut short, as VAR declared Denzel Dumfries in an offside position for standing in Maignan's line of sight when Simons scored, thereby disallowing the goal.
Ronald Koeman criticises VAR for offside decision denying Netherlands's goal against France in Euro 2024
Speaking to the media after the match, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman slammed VAR for their late offside goal, which denied the Netherlands a win over France. Koeman felt that Dumfries didn't interfere with Maignan's line of sight, and the French goalkeeper could have never reached the ball.
"Dumfries did not hinder the goalkeeper. It wasn't because of Dumfries that Maignan didn't went for the ball.
"Maignan did not react because he simply couldn't get to the ball anyway! He would have never reached that ball!" Koeman said. (via TheEuropeanLad on X)
The coach also slammed the referee for taking too much time to take the offside call.
"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!" he added.
Nevertheless, Koeman felt that in terms of quality and experience, France were ahead of the Netherlands. He also considers four points in 2 games in the Euro 2024 group stage a fine result, revealing that he's "happy".
The Oranje face Austria in their final group stage match on June 25. Avoiding a defeat will lead them to the Round of 16.