An unknown supporter in attendance at Wembley for England’s Euro 2020 semi-final victory over Denmark has been condemned on live TV after they shone a laser pointer in the face of opposition goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
ITV showed footage of a green laser flashing across Schmeichel’s face as he prepared to face Harry Kane’s penalty in extra time.
The former Manchester City goalkeeper, now of Leicester City, did not appear to be aware of the attempted distraction and indeed saved the penalty before Kane tucked away the rebound to score what proved to be the winning goal.
But ITV presenter Mark Pougatch quite rightly moved to condemn the idiocy of the perpetrator.
He said: “One thing we have spotted just as Harry Kane took the penalty and which is completely unacceptable and ridiculous…look, someone’s got a laser pen in the stands.
“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.”
Pundit Ian Wright added: “The way it’s gone for Denmark and the way the tournament started for them and the way it progressed…
“They went on to show people that yes, they’ve lost one of their best players, but they are a very very good football team.
“For them to lose to a penalty as soft as that, it is quite sad, but you have to look at the way they’ve conducted themselves and the way they’ve played in this tournament. They’ve been magnificent and they deserve some credit for that.”
Denmark had taken the lead on 30 minutes thanks to Mikkel Damsgaard’s free kick, but a Simon Kjaer own goal nine minutes later restored parity.
Kane’s penalty followed in extra time after City winger Raheem Sterling was fouled in the box, sending Gareth Southgate’s side through to Sunday evening’s final against Italy. That game will also be played at Wembley.
