Fans think Euro 2024 semi-final is 'completely ruined' after Spain's extra time win and know what's to blame
Fans have responded to Anthony Taylor’s performance in the Euro 2024 quarter final between Spain and Germany, and they are not happy.
The quarterfinals of the 2024 European Championships got underway on Friday night as Spain defeated hosts Germany with a last-minute goal in extra time.
Spain will face the winner of the evening’s other match between France and Portugal in the semi-final which is set to be played on Saturday at 9pm BST.
But, after a fiery quarterfinal between Spain and Germany, which saw referee Anthony Taylor hand out 13 yellow cards, some fans are concerned that the upcoming semi-final is ruined.
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Writing on X, one fan said: “Anthony Taylor booking the entire pitch is going to ruin the semifinal”
Another was more damning of the referee, writing: “Anthony Taylor at it once again, same old story with English referees.
“They shouldn't even be allowed at these tournaments, keep them in the Premier League and stay away!”
As part of the Euro 2024 tournament rules, if a player receives two yellow cards, he is suspended for a game.
While players on both sides received yellow cards, it will be members of the Spanish team that will fall foul of this rule and miss the next match.
Both Atletico Madrid's Alvaro Morata and Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand received their second yellow cards of competition in the game and will be absent this weekend.
Meanwhile Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal received a late red card after getting two yellow cards in the match.
But, while some fans were critical of Taylor’s eagerness to hand out yellow cards in the match, others felt that he failed to show Toni Kroos a stonewall yellow card at the beginning of the match.
One fan wrote on X: “Kroos fouled Pedri hard and ended up injuring him and no card was given. Anthony Taylor should go back to refereeing Sunday league."
Whilst another added: “Anthony Taylor bringing in the Premier League philosophy of manslaughter goes uncarded in the first 30 minutes of every game.”
Less than four minutes into the game Kroos caught Spanish midfielder Pedri on the knee, forcing the youngster off the pitch.
As he left the pitch the 21-year-old looked devastated and it has since been confirmed that he is expected to miss the rest of the tournament.
Friday’s other quarterfinal will also be refereed by an Englishman, with Michael Oliver taking charge of the match between Portugal and France.
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Topics: Euro 2024, Spain, Germany, Toni Kroos, Pedri, Football, Fan Reactions
Ben McCrum