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.
Raheem Sterling goes down under what looks like minimal contact… but the penalty is given. Harry Kane scores at the second attempt. #ENGDEN #EURO2020 #RTEsoccer
📱 Live updates – https://t.co/Ba5scpyUb0
📺 Watch live – https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE pic.twitter.com/OsvYBk1lxe— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 7, 2021
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.”
"A disgraceful decision" says Didi Hamann after England's controversial penalty
Live updates: https://t.co/Ba5scpyUb0#EURO #ENGDEN #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/X0xz8aktjN— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 7, 2021
