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Football

07th Jul 2021

“It’s a blatant dive. I think it’s a disgraceful decision” – Didi like a briar after England penalty

Niall McIntyre

Just like the rest of us, Didi Hamann was surprised when Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot to give England a penalty in extra-time of this Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark.

Just like the rest of us, Didi Hamann reckoned Raheem Sterling was already on his way to the ground before the contact, if you’d call it that, was made by Joakim Maehle.

At least there was VAR.

Your initial instincts were proved right as you watched the replays with the Manchester City player tumbling at the slightest touch.

At least there was VAR. VAR did nothing and sitting in the RTE studios, Didi Hamann was like a briar.

“This is a disgraceful decision. We brought in VAR for the exact reason of stopping these decisions. There is no contact whatsoever. As soon as he put the ball past him, Sterling was going down. I think it’s a disgraceful decision.

“I thought justice was done then, but the ball was just too close to Schmeichel…England always prides itself as the home of fair play, no diving. I think it’s scandalous. The way they won this game is not in the spirit of the game.”

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