Liverpool captain Van Dijk rages with referee after Euro 2024 elimination

Virgil van Dijk’s Netherlands crashed out of the European Championship at the semi-final stage against England in Dortmund on Wednesday night. 

The Three Lions picked up a last-gasp 2-1 win with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins netting an injury time winner to send his side through. 

That wasn’t the whole story though as England had been awarded a highly controversial first-half penalty after the Oranje had taken the lead. 

Xavi Simons capitalised on a Declan Rice error to smash the opening goal past Jordan Pickford before the game’s most contentious moment. 

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Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to have fouled Harry Kane inside the area after the England striker fired a half volley over the crossbar in a clash that required a second look on the screens by matchday official Felix Zwayer. 

Kane made no mistake from the spot and Gareth Southgate’s team took control in the contest thereafter. 

Van Dijk: That says it all

After their heartbreak at the death, Dutch captain Van Dijk spoke to the press, taking aim at referee Zwayer, suggesting he RAN from the pitch after the game due to the penalty decision he had earlier given. 

"It says it all that the referee goes in so quickly," the 33-year-old told NOS. 

"But to blame that now... I have to stand here too. I don't know what to say at all. This hurts so much."

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Zwayer served a suspension earlier in his career for a match-fixing event back in 2005 and Van Dijk was later asked about the semi-final appointment. 

"Do you want to get me into trouble?" he replied when asked by a journalist. "He also did our match against Romania and he did well then. Don't get me into trouble. This is a topic for you to discuss."

Koeman: VAR has ruined football

The Netherlands count themselves unlucky to be heading home with the decision also playing on the mind of manager Ronald Koeman. 

“This is a typical decision by a VAR,” he said after the game. “What should you do as a defender? This is not a penalty. 

“Football is ruined by these kinds of decisions, because of the VAR.”