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Euro 2020: UEFA investigates laser pointer incident during England's semifinal win over Denmark
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Euro 2020: UEFA investigates laser pointer incident during England’s semifinal win over Denmark

By Jason Diego / July 8, 2021

Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had the laser shone in his face as England captain Harry Kane stepped up to take an extra-time penalty.

Schmeichel saved the penalty, but Kane pounced on the the rebound and his goal proved decisive in a 2-1 win which ensured England’s passage to Sunday’s final against Italy.

European football’s governing body said it had opened disciplinary proceedings, charging England with the use of a “laser pointer by its supporters.”

UEFA said it disciplinary investigation will also look at “disturbance” caused by England supporters during the national anthem and the lighting of fireworks by its fans.

Broadcaster ITV, which televised the match in the UK, showed footage of a green laser being pointed at Schmeichel’s face.

`”Whoever they are they’re an idiot … it’s stupid and he doesn’t deserve that,” ITV presenter Mark Pougatch said. “That sort of thing, nobody wants to see.”
The English Football Association and the Danish Football Union did not immediately respond to CNN Sport’s request for comment.
Schmeichel had an impressive game for Denmark, notably saving a Harry Maguire header.

Boris Johnson congratulates England team

Meanwhile UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sent his congratulations to the England players and the team’s manager Gareth Southgate.

“Well, I thought it was the most extraordinary game, and obviously I don’t think I’ve ever seen an England team play with such creativit, flair, versatility and just keep going like that,” Johnson told reporters on Thursday.

“It was a total nail biter. I don’t know about you, but when we conceded that goal early on and then equalized, and then ran on right the way into extra-time.

“It could have gone wrong at any stage, but it didn’t and it was just euphoric. Absolutely extraordinary. So I congratulate Gareth Southgate and the whole team. I thought they were stunning and obviously, you know, wishing them all the very best for the Sunday.”

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