Angry Martin Braithwaite BLASTS decision for England’s vital penalty as Barcelona star says ‘I have to be careful what I say’ and claims playing at Wembley ‘could have had an influence’ on the referee following Denmark’s Euro 2020 heartbreak
Martin Braithwaite has hit out at the decision to award England a late penalty against Denmark as the Barcelona forward bemoaned his side’s heartbreaking exit from Euro 2020.
Harry Kane tapped away the rebound from a missed penalty in extra time booked England’s place in Sunday’s final – the first time the Three Lions have reached a showpiece event in 55 years – after Joakim Maehle appeared to haul down Raheem Sterling in the box.
However, upon closer inspection, the full back made very minimal contact with the Manchester City star, leading to accusations of diving from fans across Europe.
Martin Braithwaite has blasted the decision to award England a penalty against Denmark
Referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot after Raheem Sterling fell to minimal contact
And Braithwaite, who played the full 120 minutes at Wembley, was careful with his words when pressed on his thoughts regarding the decisive spot kick, made by Dutch referee Danny Makkelie.
‘We have to swallow that. We are proud, but also incredibly disappointed in the way it happened. I don’t think it was entirely fair, but I have to be careful what I say,’ he told Mundo Deportivo.
The 30-year-old also claimed that playing at Wembley ‘could have had an influence’ on the outcome of the game, adding that the squad are not blaming Maehle for the foul.
Harry Kane scored the rebound after his penalty was saved to send England to the final
Braithwaite, 30, said he was proud of his county’s performance but bemoaned the decision
‘There is no one to blame, there was no penalty and it was judged a bit harshly,’ he said. ‘We don’t know if it went to Maehle or Mathias, but Maehle has been fantastic in this tournament and that’s what one will remember. ‘
Denmark have had a rollercoaster of a tournament, showing incredible resilience to overcome the turmoil of seeing their team-mate Christian Eriksen suffer a cardiac arrest before going onto reach the semi-finals.
Braithwaite insisted that, while disappointed, he will cherish the Danes’ journey during this incredible summer.
‘Now, I am disappointed, but we have many excellent experiences and we are very grateful for the support we have received. It has been moving and something we have never experienced.’
