Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had a laser pen shone at his face as Harry Kane stepped up for England's penalty in their Euro 2020 semi final clash.
ITV showed footage of a green laser flashing across Schmeichel’s face as he prepared to face Kane’s extra-time penalty at Wembley on Wednesday night.
The goalkeeper did not appear to be aware of the attempted distraction and saved the penalty, before Kane tucked away the rebound to score what would be the winning goal.
ITV presenter Mark Pougatch condemned the unknown 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.”
Further controversy surrounded the penalty–which ultimately sent England into their first final since 1966–Raheem Sterling was accused of diving to win the spot kick, which came in the first half of extra time.
There was also a second ball on the pitch when Sterling received the ball at the start of the move.
Referees normally stop play in accordance with the laws of the game if there are two balls on the field.
They can use their discretion and ignore it if the ball is not interfering with play, but on this occasion the stray ball was in the vicinity of Sterling and the Denmark defenders and could conceivably be said to be causing a distraction.
