DENMARK manager Kasper Hjulmand hit out at the penalty decision that saw England progress into the final of the European Championships.
Gareth Souhtgate’s Three Lions came from behind to win 2-1 after extra-time.
Raheem Sterling won a penalty in the 104th minute with captain Harry Kane initially missing the spot-kick but scoring the rebound.
But relays revealed Sterling came within inches of dribbling past an extra ball before bursting into the box and being fouled.
Referee Danny Makkelie either missed the incident or decided the second ball was not interfering with play as the attack continued.
Hjulmand said: “We’re just very disappointed that we were so close to the final
“We’re disappointed it was decided that way. It was a penalty that shouldn’t have been a penalty, and that annoys me right now.
“We’re disappointed, we’re very disappointed.
“It’s one thing to lose a game, that happens, but losing this way is just a disappointment, because these guys have fought a lot.
“It’s bitter; I think we have to digest this before we can describe these feelings, but it’s a bitter way to leave a tournament.”
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England boss Southgate admitted: “I saw the [extra] ball on the pitch so I wasn’t sure how that would be dealt with.
“But, I saw a game in England where that happened and the goal wasn’t disallowed.
“I haven’t really seen the penalty situation, but a lot of people have asked me the same question [if it was harsh on Denmark].”
England trailed after Mikkel Damsgaard’s free-kick on the half hour mark but for the first time in the delayed Euros came from behind.
Bukayo Saka set up Sterling just before half-time with Simon Kjaer’s efforts to defend the attack resulting in an own goal.
Kane’s dramatic winner put England into a first final since winning the World Cup in 1966 with Italy awaiting on Sunday.
