England vs Netherlands Euro 2024 Semi-Final kicks off tonight at 8PM BST at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. England fans may have something to worry about with the referee potentially holding a huge grudge against Jude Bellingham!
England advanced to the Semi-Finals of Euro 2024 after beating Switzerland 5-4 on penalties in a tense encounter. This evening, they face the Dutch, who toppled Türkiye to earn their spot in tonight’s matchup.
There may be something to fear for English fans, however, as word has resurfaced of a possible grudge that German referee Felix Zwayer may hold towards England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Zwayer was banned for 6 months by the German Football federation for his part in a match-fixing scandal back in 2006. He was assistant referee alongside Robert Hoyzer, a fellow German official who was banned for life for his central role in that same scandal.
Fast forward to 2021, and one Jude Bellingham also finds himself in trouble with the German Football Federation, following a defeat with his old side Borussia Dortmund from German giants. Bayern Munich.
Bellingham was fined €40,000 for directly referencing Zwayer & Hoyzer’s scandal, with the up and coming starlets words printed all over German tabloids for the referee and former referee to read.
Bellingham also found himself in trouble with UEFA for a gesture he made following his winning goal against Slovakia.
Fast forward once more to the Euro 2024 Semi-Finals, and Jude’s words may come back to haunt him, with England vs Netherlands being officiated by none other than Felix Zwayer.
Zwayer has so far officiated Italy’s opening match with Albania, Portugal’s victory over Türkiye in the group stages, and the Netherlands’ victory over Romania in the Round of 16.
England left-back Luke Shaw was asked whether the England side were uncomfortable with Zwayer having been chosen, given his history with Jude Bellingham.
Shaw said “No, not at all. We have to respect Uefa in whoever they decide to pick as the ref. That won’t change anything about us,”
England vs Netherlands kicks off at 8PM BST this evening and is being aired on ITV1 in the UK.
