The pointing of a laser at a key moment during England’s Euro 2020 semifinal win over Denmark on Wednesday is being investigated by UEFA.
As England captain Harry Kane stepped up to take an extra-time penalty, the laser was shone in his face by Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Schmeichel saved the penalty, but Kane pounced on the rebound and scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory that ensured England’s place in the final against Italy on Sunday.
The governing body of European football has opened disciplinary proceedings against England, accusing its fans of using a “laser pointer.”
The “disturbance” caused by England supporters during the national anthem, as well as the lighting of fireworks by its fans, will be investigated by UEFA.
The match was televised in the United Kingdom by ITV, which 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.”
Following the incident, the EFA’s on-site team collaborated with UEFA to try to determine who used the laser device.
“The Danish FA representative confirmed to the UEFA Match Manager that they did not wish to take the matter any further,” according to the English FA.
CNN Sport reached out to the Danish Football Union for comment, but they did not respond right away.
The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will handle the disciplinary case.
In the meantime, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has congratulated England’s players and 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.”
The UEFA Referees Committee announced later on Thursday that Dutchman Björn Kuipers will referee the final on Sunday.
According to European football’s governing body, this will be Kuipers’ seventh UEFA competition final.
