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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

England charged by UEFA after idiot fan shone laser at Schmeichel during Kane penalty

Euro 2020 finalists England are facing up to three UEFA charges after a fan shone a laser in Kasper Schmeichel's eye during last night's semi-final showdown.

The whole country woke up celebrating this morning after Gareth Southgate - and his heroic Three Lions - booked their place at a major international final for the first time since 1966.

It was a night of high-drama at Wembley as England captain Harry Kane settled the scores in extra-time.

He defeated Schmeichel at the second attempt after the Leicester City goalkeeper, who put in a fantastic display between the posts for Denmark in a valiant losing cause, saved his penalty after Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling had been felled.

That was despite one unknown supporter shining a laser in Schmeichel's eye as he faced up to City transfer target Kane from 12 yards.

ITV footage showed a green light being pointed towards the direction of the Denmark stopper - who produced a string of fine saves to keep his nation in the contest.

It proved to be in vain, though, as England reigned supreme beneath the famous arch - and they will return to the same Wembley venue on Sunday night for 'the big one' against Italy.

Speaking post-match, ITV presenter Mark Pougatch moved to condemn the idiocy of the perpetrator and that particular stance has been followed suit by the majority of observers.

He said: "Whoever they are, they're an idiot, him or her - and we can just hope that it didn't put Kasper Schmeichel off, because it's stupid and he doesn't deserve that.

"That sort of thing, nobody wants to see."

Following that moment of stupidity, finalists England have been hit with three charges in relation to Article 16 and this will, subsequently, be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) in due course.

Here are the three charges which England are facing;

1: Use of laser pointer by its supporters - Article 16 (2) (d) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR)

2: Disturbance caused by its supporters during the national anthem - Article 16 (2) (g) DR

3: Lighting of fireworks by its supporters - Article 16 (2) (c) DR

What is a suitable punishment for the laser pointer incident? Let us know in the comments section below.

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