GERMANY were controversially denied an early goal during their Euro 2024 round of 16 clash by English referee Michael Oliver.
Nico Schlotterbeck rose to head home Toni Kroos‘ fourth minute corner, only for Oliver to blow up for a supposed foul by Joshua Kimmich.
APNico Schlotterbeck headed beyond Kasper Schmeichel[/caption]
Joshua Kimmich was adjudged to have fouled Alexander Skov Olsen
EPAMichael Oliver explains his decision to Ilkay Gundogan[/caption]
Schlotterbeck, 24, wheeled away in celebration, with pandemonium in the stands.
Oliver broke German hearts, however, by adjudging Kimmich to have blocked off Alexander Skov Olsen, who has been trying to chase Schlotterbeck.
Many fans slated the decision, taking to social media to vent.
One fumed: “English refs ruining games as always.”
While a second moaned: “These English refs absolutely stink, this competition has made it very apparent to everyone else.”
A third posted: “England’s squad and the English refs seemingly having a competition to see who can stink up this tournament the most.”
Another added: “I see Michael Oliver is already trending less then 5 minutes into the game. The English refs never fail to disappoint, do they?”
In the 36th minute, Oliver was forced to take players off due to extreme weather.
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Host city Dortmund was hit by a storm, with torrential rain, thunder and lightning.
Oliver allowed play to continue for around five minutes after the storm began, before stopping following complaints from players that it was not safe to continue.
Earlier in the week, weather experts warned of a potential tornado.
Meteorologist Dominik Jung told Bild: “From Saturday evening and into the night on Sunday, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms from the south west and west to the middle of Germany.
“These could bring extremely heavy rain, with amounts of between 40 and 80 litres per square meter within a few hours.
“Large hail with a diameter of around 3 cm is also expected, as are strong storm or hurricane gusts with speeds of between 100 and 140 km/h.
“Tornadoes cannot be ruled out either.”
After a few minutes of waiting by the dugouts, players were taken back inside.
Earlier in the tournament, Anthony Taylor and his team of officials were criticised for disallowing Xavi Simons’ strike during Holland’s 0-0 draw with France.
He adjudged Denzel Dumfries to have interfered with play from an offside position, despite the ball whizzing in way out of Mike Maignan‘s reach.
EPAThe match was suspended due to a torrential downpour[/caption]