:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69555640/1233858835.0.jpg)
England will face Italy in the Euro 2020 Final, but their advancement does not come without some controversy. England defeated Denmark in the semifinals thanks to a questionable penalty called when Raheem Sterling went down near the goal. Harry Kane took the penalty shot and while Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel blocked it, Kane secured the rebound and scored what proved to be the game-winner.
However, additional controversy has arisen. Just before Kane took the penalty kick, a laser pointer was pointed at Schmeichel’s face.
There appeared to be a laser pointed at Kasper Schmeichel moments before Kane's penalty which was won while there was a second ball on the pitch during play. pic.twitter.com/xAQgNYwOi8
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 8, 2021
The laser pointer did not prevent Schmeichel from stopping Kane’s shot, it is still a problem. UEFA has announced it is investigating the incident and is also opening proceedings against England for the lighting of fireworks by their supporters and disturbances caused by fans during the Denmark national anthem.
The official charges against England will include the following violations of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations:
- Use of laser pointer by its supporters - Article 16(2)(d) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR)
- Disturbance caused by its supporters during the national anthem - Article 16(2)(g) DR
- Lighting of fireworks by its supporters - Article 16(2)(c) DR