Lee Dixon and Ally McCoist were confused by the referee's decision to award a penalty to England during their Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.

During the highly anticipated Euro 2024 final between England and the Netherlands, there was a controversial moment that left many fans and pundits stunned. It happened in the seventh minute of the game when the Dutch defender, Denzel Dumfries, was booked for a foul on England's captain, Harry Kane, inside the penalty area. This decision caused an uproar among the co-commentators for ITV, Lee Dixon and Ally McCoist.

The match started at a furious pace, and the Netherlands took an early lead with a fantastic goal from Xavi Simons. However, the Three Lions quickly fought back, and ten minutes later, Harry Kane scored a penalty, his third goal of the tournament, to level the score. The penalty decision was a controversial one, with the referee Felix Zwayer pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR for a foul by Dumfries on Kane. Replays showed that Kane had made contact with the defender's boot, but the decision to award a penalty and book Dumfries was still debated among fans and experts.

As the tension and drama continued to build in the game, the ITV commentary team could not believe their eyes when they watched the incident again. "I would be astonished if this was given," exclaimed former Arsenal and England full-back, Lee Dixon, on first viewing. It was a moment that divided opinions, but ultimately, it didn't matter as Kane stepped up and converted the penalty to equalize for England.

After the penalty was given, Dixon added, "Well, I'm pleased, don't get me wrong! But from a defender's point of view, you've got to challenge for the ball there. They're both going for the ball, it's a split second. I don't think that's a penalty, but I don't care! I really don't care." It was clear that Dixon's emotions were overriding his professional opinion in that moment, as he was just happy to see his team score.

Former Scotland and Rangers striker, Ally McCoist, also shared his thoughts on the incident, suggesting that VAR should not have intervened as it was not a clear and obvious error from Dumfries. "I'll give you my tuppence worth right now," McCoist said. "The fact of the matter is that the defender is going to block the ball, and in truth, Harry Kane has kicked him because he's followed through and he has to take the shot on. It's not a penalty for me, but as soon as the referee goes over...I certainly don't think for a minute that it's a clear and obvious error."

Even Christina Unkel, a refereeing analyst for ITV in Germany, was taken aback by the decision to go to VAR for the 18th-minute penalty incident. When asked if there was any suggestion of a foul on first viewing, she replied, "No. No suggestion by the VAR for a recommendation of a penalty. Once Kane gets the shot off and it's clear and natural...we'll take a look to see if Dumfries' action goes above and beyond." Unkel also noted that it was surprising to see the referee give a penalty as it was not a clear and obvious error, and the preferred recommendation was for it not to be a penalty.

In the end, the penalty decision remained, and Kane made no mistake in converting it, much to the dismay of the Dutch team and their fans. It was a moment that sparked a lot of debate and controversy, but in the end, it didn't matter as England and the Netherlands battled it out for the coveted Euro 2024 title.

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