They aren’t happy with Yann Sommer’s penalty save…
Almost a quarter of a million people have signed a petition asking UEFA for France’s Euro 2020 last 16 clash with Switzerland to be replayed.
The Swiss pulled off the shock of the tournament on Monday when they knocked out tournament favourites France on penalties, after the thrilling tie had finished 3-3.
After a stoppage time Gavranovic goal for Switzerland sent the game to extra-time, the two sides could not be separated and it went to a dreaded shootout. It was PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe who missed the crucial spot-kick, as he saw goalkeeper Yann Sommer save his penalty to send the Swiss through.
However, thousands are seemingly furious that the save was allowed to stand and that Mbappe wasn’t made to retake his penalty. The people who have signed the petition argue that Sommer was off his line when he saved the penalty, which would have made it an illegitimate save.
According to Spanish media outlet Marca, who cite RTL Sport, more than 240,000 people have signed the petition on Les Lignes Bougent for the game to be replayed. They argue that the Switzerland keeper didn’t have at least one foot on the goal-line when he saved Mbappe’s penalty.
On first glance you can see why French fans may feel aggrieved by the decision for the penalty not to be retaken. Sommer does have both feet off the line as he sets himself for the save.
However at the exact moment that Mbappe strikes the ball, Sommer’s left foot is clearly on the line, making the penalty save a perfectly legal one.
Great save form Sommer! Gotta feel sorry for Mbappé though, it’s a tough thing to miss a penalty! Congratulations to the Swiss team on beating France #EUROS2020 pic.twitter.com/KyrWchemu6
— MissDumbledory (@MissDumbledory) June 28, 2021
The current laws state: “When the ball is kicked, the defending goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot touching, or in line with, the goal line.
“The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.”
You won’t be surprised to hear that UEFA have said the last 16 tie will not be replayed, and that they are confident the referee and VAR officials made the correct decision.
