“Ban English refs” – Referee bizarrely disallows Xavi Simons’ potential match-winning goal for Netherlands against France courtesy of VAR, fans react

Netherlands were denied a late winner by VAR after Denzel Dumfries was flagged in an offside position.

“Ban English refs” – Referee bizarrely disallows Xavi Simons’ potential match-winning goal for Netherlands against France courtesy of VAR, fans react

VAR disallowed Xavi Simons' goal citing the fact that Denzel Dumfries was in an offside position (Via X/@433 & brfootball)

As France and the Netherlands played out a goalless draw in Group B, many fans pointed to how the match official made a costly error. A nervy encounter between the two European giants culminated in a 0-0 draw, even though either side enjoyed their fair share of chances. Most importantly, Xavi Simons put the ball into the opposition’s goal and was halfway into the celebrations when match official Anthony Taylor disallowed his goal for offside.

In the 68th minute, Dutch midfielder Simons blasted the ball past Mike Maignan after the ball fell at his feet from a rebound. As the Dutch contingent lost themselves in celebration, cameras panned to a concerned Anthony Taylor conversing with his line official. The referee pointed to how Denzel Dumfries was in an offside position and ‘interfered’ with play.

The goal was eventually ruled out as both sides were forced to share a point each. France remains in second position while Holland are top of the group. France will play Poland for their final group-stage game while Virgil van Dijk and his teammates will be up against Austria.

Following the game, Football Twitter has gone into a raging debate as to whether Anthony Taylor’s ‘mistake’ cost the Netherlands a win.

Fans react to Xavi Simons’ goal being disallowed for offside

It didn’t take long before fans pointed fingers at Anthony Taylor and the line referee for making a ‘mistake’ in the build-up to Xavi Simons’ goal. The midfielder’s volley was a goal fit enough to win any game. However, celebrations were cut short as VAR cancelled his goal for offside by a teammate of his. Simons’ shot was perfectly placed to Mike Maignan’s right and was visibly beyond his reach as per several fans.

Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons was distraught after his goal was disallowed by VAR (Via X/@brfootball)

A few argued that Denzel Dumfries was standing to his left does not change the fact that the shot will not be saved. Many criticized Anthony Taylor for his poor officiating and decision-making. Fans opined that his error cost the Netherlands a crucial win and may even risk their chances of qualification.

Taylor’s ‘risky’ call made fans scrutinize English referees as a whole and even called for them to be banned from officiating important tournaments. Controversial decisions in the past have made him a ‘hated’ figure among fans, especially in England. However, a few appeared to agree with Taylor’s call and said that those who don’t understand why the goal was disallowed need to stop watching the sport altogether.

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