'Corrupt to the core': England fans furious at refereeing decision in Euro 2024 final

Too little too late or were England robbed?

Time-keeping

England fans have been left angry following their country’s 2-1 defeat in the final of Euro 2024, but not just because of the scoreline…

Doesn’t add up

Referee Francois Letexier allowed Spanish players and coaches to milk precious seconds off the clock towards the end of the game, blowing the final whistle at exactly 90+4 minutes, despite injuries and substitutions wasting what seemed like minutes.

“Corrupt”

Per The Sun, England fans took to social media to express their disbelief at the decision, with one writing, “Spain wasted a good minute or two or added time and blows of 4 min and couldn’t wait to do so. Football is corrupt to the core”.

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“Wasted”

Another was less explosive in their criticism, writing, “At least 3 of those 4 mins were wasted by Spain and the ref blew bang on 4 mins.”

Crushed any hope

There will be few, if any, England fans who haven’t accepted they were the second team on the night, but the referee’s decision to end the game when he did, killed off any chance of another miracle comeback for Southgate’s men.

“Disgraceful”

Another England fan wrote, “Disgraceful to waste time like that for Spain and the ref not accounting for it,” per The Sun.

Cynical

Spain showcased a mastery of the dark arts in the closing moments, milking every stoppage to slowly kill off any hope of an England comeback. Marc Cucurella’s dramatic flop following a Bukayo Saka challenge with England in a strong attacking position showed Spain were perhaps the more experienced and knowledgeable team in the big moments.

Would it have mattered?

England struggled to create chances all match despite having world-class players littered throughout their attack, would they have been able to manufacture another chance if the ref had played another minute or two?

“Devasted”

Under-fire England manager Gareth Southgate said, “We were in it until the last ten minutes. I’m devastated for everyone. We have just fallen a little short,” following the final whistle.

Too little too late or were England robbed?

Did the ref blow up too early, or were England already out of the match? Let us know in the comments!

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