Slovakia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history with their victory over Belgium – but it could have been prevented.
Ranked third in the world, Belgium were favourites to top Group E before kick-off but now find themselves playing catch-up after a wasteful performance in Frankfurt and a “scandalous” refereeing decision.
Chances came and went and Romelu Lukaku squandered several before having two second-half goals ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR).
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The first of which he was clearly offside, but the second was a more controversial decision with less than three minutes of normal time remaining.
Referee Halil Umut Meler was sent to the pitchside monitor before disallowing the goal for handball in the build-up by Lois Openda.
The Belgium substitute was in full motion as he fell into the ball while tussling with Slovakia defender Denis Vavro, with his arms seemingly in a natural position.
“That is scandalous. It is ridiculous, it really is,” former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live as Belgium’s celebrations were quickly squashed.
“Openda doesn’t intentionally push the ball into his path. That is harsh. In the Premier League, that goal would stand.”