Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has called for the match officials to be held “accountable” for the controversial penalty decision that resulted in the Netherlands’ semi-final loss to England in the Euro 2024 tournament.

Virgil van Dijk is seeking an explanation from the referee in the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 loss to England regarding the decision to award a controversial penalty.

In Dortmund, the Dutch were defeated in the semi-finals by the Three Lions. Ollie Watkins, a striker for Aston Villa, came off the substitute to score a dramatic last-minute goal for Gareth Southgate’s team. They are the ones who will advance to the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday.

In an entertaining match, Ronald Koeman’s team took the lead when Xavi Simons scored a spectacular goal in the seventh minute. However, England levelled the score 11 minutes later after referee Felix Zwayer granted a spot-kick for a challenge on Harry Kane by Denzel Dumfries.

Kane appeared to kick Dumfries’ boot while attempting to take a shot inside the box; however, Zwayer identified the location after a VAR review. Van Dijk was unimpressed by that decision and later contemplated on beIN Sports why officials are not required to provide an explanation.

“I am uncertain as to whether I should address that matter,” the Liverpool defender stated. I communicated this information to the Dutch media. It appears that the referee entered the game promptly following the conclusion of the game. I was unable to extend my hand to him. However, it is the case that the game has concluded, and we have suffered a loss. There were certain moments that were plainly in our favour, but they did not, regardless of the final result.

“I find it challenging to reconcile with this” It has been a challenging year. We harboured a significant aspiration and believed that we were capable of realising it. They continue to implement modifications that are minor in nature but could potentially have a significant effect. It is possible that it would be beneficial for them to be held accountable. They did not come to communicate with you and provide an explanation, as we are required to do when we commit an error. That may be significant. However, I should refrain from discussing others, and we must examine ourselves.

Van Dijk engaged in a confrontation with Zwayer on multiple occasions, resulting in a yellow card being issued to him for his involvement in a late decision that resulted in England being granted a goal kick despite the ball being glanced behind off the head of John Stones.