Gary Neville can't hide his true feelings on controversial Germany penalty shout – The Mirror
ITV Sport pundit Gary Neville was quick to back Anthony Taylor’s decision to not award Germany a penalty as they crashed out of Euro 2024 against Spain following extra-time
Gary Neville took to social media to back Anthony Taylor and his team after they turned down a handball appeal in Spain's match against Germany.
The host nation faced off against Luis de la Fuente's side in Stuttgart in the first of the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and came within minutes of crashing out before Florian Wirtz forced extra-time with a classy finish from inside the box.
And Spanish fans were then forced to watch on with baited breath in extra-time when the ball struck the hand of Marc Cucurella inside the penalty area. No penalty was awarded – and Neville quickly endorsed the decision on his X account.
The former Manchester United and England defender posted: "Thank you for not being handball!!"
The ITV and Sky Sports pundit's post received mixed responses, though, with some disagreeing with his take. One fan posted: "That was a clear penalty," while another said: "I’ve seen far less given handball … very inconsistent."
Another fan provided a more nuanced response, saying: "He's right and we don't wanna see that as handball but there is no consistency. That one just now is more handball than the Denmark one."
Spain's reprieve would go on to be significant with Mikel Merino plundering a 119th minute to send De La Feunte's side through at the expense of the host nation.
Join the debate! Do you think Germany should have been awarded a penalty? Let us know here.
BBC Radio 5 Live analyst Pat Nevin expressed his sorrow for Germany in the wake of their crushing exit, saying: "It was incredible. You had no idea where it was going to go.
"You talk about tactics and systems but it became much more human than that. It was about who was going to be least exhausted and who would switch off for that split second. And it turned out to be the Germans.
"I do feel sorry for them, they have been great hosts and improved as the tournament has gone along. They looked like they were going to cruise this, but well done to Spain. They are not just a pretty team, they have grit as well. But they also have a lot of suspensions so will find it hard to get past whoever they play in the semi-final."
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