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Ronald Koeman, coach of the Netherlands national team, expressed his frustration with the use of Video Assistant Referees (VAR), describing it as detrimental to football following his team’s 2-1 defeat to England in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
Koeman’s comments came after a controversial penalty decision by referee Felix Zwayer, which awarded England a crucial spot-kick against the Netherlands.
The penalty was given after VAR reviewed Denzel Dumfries’ challenge on Harry Kane, who had initially shot over the bar but was deemed to have been fouled in the process.
“Personally, I don’t believe it should have been a penalty,” Koeman remarked during his post-match interview. “Kane made contact with the ball, and there was incidental contact with the player’s boots. In my view, VAR decisions like this undermine the essence of football and disrupt the flow of the game.”
Kane converted the penalty to equalize, and England secured their victory with a late goal by substitute Ollie Watkins in the 90th minute, setting up a final clash against Spain on Sunday.
The Dutch coach emphasized his concerns about the impact of VAR on the sport, asserting that such decisions detract from the natural flow and integrity of football matches.
