Denmark 'very disappointed' over penalty call in England loss

The Denmark head coach resents the fact his team conceded a penalty and that there was a second ball on pitch in the sequence of play leading to it.

Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand admits to feeling “bitter” on account of his side’s elimination from Euro 2020 at the hands of England.

Denmark drew first blood in the semi-final clash at Wembley, taking the lead at the half-hour-mark through an exquisite Mikkel Damsgaard free-kick.

It did not take long for the Danes, though, to succumb to the opponents’ intense attacking pressure as they conceded just nine minutes later.

England’s rather controversial match-winning goal came in the first half of extra time. Referee Danny Makkelie pointed straight to the spot when Joakim Maehle brought down Raheem Sterling. Despite the contact on Sterling, who was accused of simulation on social media, being minimal, the VAR agreed with the referee’s decision.

Replays showed there was a second ball on the pitch in the build-up to the penalty.

Many were of the view the penalty should’ve never been awarded to England – and Hjulmand is a subscriber of that belief.

“It was a penalty which should not have been a penalty. It is something which annoys me right now. We are very disappointed,” said Hjulmand after the 2-1 defeat, per Sky Sports.

“You cannot pass by the ball on the pitch which has so much influence on the game.

“I know it sounds weird right now but I cannot help having these feelings. One thing is to lose a game, it happens, but losing this way is disappointing because these guys have fought a lot.

“It feels bitter but we have to digest this before we can discuss these feelings. It’s a bitter way to leave the tournament.”