A German newspaper felt their national women’s team had been 'scammed' in their European Championship final defeat against England, claiming their side should have been awarded a first half penalty.
Germany were left heartbroken as Chloe Kelly's goal in the second half of extra-time sent Wembley wild as England's Lionesses celebrated their first major tournament trophy. That was after Germany's Lina Magull had cancelled out Ella Toone’s opener 11 minutes from time sending the game into extra-time.
However, the incident that left Germany aggrieved came in the 26th minute with the score goalless when a corner into the England box sparked a melee. The ball appeared to hit the hand of Lionesses captain and Arsenal defender Leah Williamson who frantically tried to clear the danger.
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Despite German appeals Ukrainian referee Kateryna Monzul resumed play and VAR checked for a penalty. The VAR check was quickly completed and ruled that no penalty should be awarded, the game carried on with England running out 2-1 winners.
However, in the aftermath of England's historic victory Germany manager Voss-Tecklenburg said that there should have been a closer look at the incident.
She said: "At this level, in the final of the European Championships, this shouldn’t happen. I’d like to have a discussion why did no one look at it? This is something I would really like to ask. It happened to us today, but if it had happened to them I would feel the same. It really bothers me."
German tabloid newspaper Bild went even further claiming their national side had been ‘scammed’ and ‘cheated’ despite VAR being used.
The newspaper referred back to the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley when West Germany were beaten by England's men 4-2. It was claimed by some Germany fans that Sir Geoff Hurst’s fourth goal against them did not cross the line after hitting the crossbar.
The newspaper said: "Wembley fraud again! Even with video evidence, we are being scammed. In the 2-1 defeat after extra time we are cheated again, almost exactly 56 years after the Wembley goal scandal."
Bild were supported in their view about last night's penalty claim by former referee Thorsten Kinhofer who said: "For me it’s a crystal clear handball. The hand is above shoulder height, for me it is incomprehensible that there was no indication from the VAR referee."
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