Matthijs De Ligt Sent Off For Handball In Netherlands vs Czech Republic

Matthijs de Ligt was sent off in Netherlands' last 16 game against Czech Republic at Euro 2020, as his handball denied Patrik Schick a chance at goal.

Netherlands were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute of the game, just moments after Donyell Malen had the perfect chance to put them ahead, thanks partially to VAR.

De Ligt was wrestling for the ball with Schick on the edge of his own area when he lost his footing. In the slip he clearly handled the ball and the referee gave a free kick and a yellow card.

However the video official pointed out that the Czech striker was through on goal if De Ligt hadn't handled and yellow soon become red.

Netherlands won all three of their group games, against Austria, Ukraine and North Macedonia, to top the group and raise questions over the pre tournament doubts.

The Czech's progressed by finishing third in Group D thanks to a draw with Croatia, a win over Scotland, which included Schick's incredible long distance strike and a loss to England.

Frank de Boer's side were easily the favourites but needed De Ligt to stop them going behind, when the Juventus defender deflected Antonin Barak's shot over the bar.

The Dutch had more of the ball, with Denzel Dumfries looking dangerous on the right, but didn't really test the keeper in the first half.

Malen really should have made it 1-0 in the 52nd minute when he raced clear of the Czech defence but he ran straight into Tomas Vaclík in the Czech goal.

Less than a minute later De Ligt was sent off.