The Netherlands' bizarre 'shoe' controversy against Romania

The Netherlands qualified for the last eight of Euro 2024 with a 3-0 win over Romania in a match that was not without controversy.

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead with a fine shot into the left corner that left Romania goalkeeper Florin Nita helpless.

Ronald Koeman's men chased a second, but had to wait until Donyell Malen took away the doubts about victory for the Dutch. It was a nice revenge for Malen, who had scored an own goal in the painful defeat against Austria in the group stage.

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The Borussia Dortmund forward also scored the 3-0 after a fine dribble and shot behind the Romanian goalie, who had been distracted just before Malen's shot, but why?

Fans paying attention during the match could see Nita kicking a trainer in the penalty area moments before Malen's effort. A move that surely didn't help Nita to stay focused to make a save and keep his team in the match.

The replay of the goal showed that there was another trainer in the penalty area, close to the exact spot from where Malen shot.

Nita looked annoyed and frustrated after the goal and looked into the stands as if wondering where the trainers had come from.

According to Belgian sports outlet Sporza, the shoes were thrown into the penalty area by Romanian fans, a move that backfired painfully. Earlier in the match, a fan had already invaded the pitch.

"I love how the goalkeeper kicks one of the trainers away before he tries to make the save," Gary Lineker said about the incident, per The Mirror.

Despite the controversial goal, the win for the Dutch was well-deserved and sets them up for a clash with Türkiye, who knocked out Austria in the round of 16.

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