Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Virgil Van Dijk, Netherlands, Football, Euro 2024
Nasir Jabbar
Former Dutch star Pierre van Hooijdonk says Felix Zwayer should be 'blacklisted' following his officiating in the Netherlands' crushing defeat to England at Euro 2024.
England dumped the Netherlands out of the tournament following their 2-1 victory on Wednesday.
Xavi Simons opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike before Harry Kane levelled proceedings.
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He successfully converted from the spot after a controversial decision as match referee Zwayer awarded a penalty following a VAR review.
Ollie Watkins grabbed a late winner as he rifled home with an incredible finish.
But Zwayer's decision left a sour taste in Van Hooijdonk's mouth as Virgil van Dijk revealed what the German official did after at full-time.
Van Hooijdonk, who earned 46 international caps, slammed the Euro 2024 referee and claims he needs to be 'blacklisted' in an extraordinary attack.
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"They can thank Felix Zwayer. He really needs to be blacklisted," he exclaimed.
"Terrible. Also, in the second half. A duel with Cody Gakpo where he simply blew his whistle again, ten meters from the linesman.
"Those are moments that were crucial in this match."
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Van Dijk also took aim at the officials following his team's bruising elimination from the Euros.
"I don't know what I should say, I don't know if I should say something about this," he said.
"I said it outside to our Dutch media, it says it all that the ref went in quite quickly after the game and we had no time to shake his hand.
"They keep changing so many things, small changes that could have big impacts.
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"Let them [the referees] come here and explain themselves, like we [the players] have to do when we do something wrong. I think that might be something."
England progress to the next round of the tournament at the expense of the Netherlands as they face Spain in Sunday's final.