England Exclusive: Ref slammed for missing blatant red card in Sweden clash
England can feel aggrieved that Sweden did not receive a red card in the Women’s Euros quarter-final according to former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett.
The Lionesses were slow out of the blocks as Sweden raced to a 1-0 lead in Switzerland on Thursday, 17 July.
Peter Gerhardsson’s side found themselves a goal to the good when Kosovare Asslani capitalised on the Lionesses’ sloppy play to slot home.
Sweden then doubled their advantage through Arsenal star Stina Blackstenius inside 25 minutes, before England forced extra time by making it 2-2 via goals from Lucy Bronze and substitute Michelle Agyemang.
The contest went all the way to penalties with the Lionesses winning 3-2 in the shootout.
Hanna Lundkvist goes unpunished for incident in Sweden v England
While England were majorly disappointed to go 2-0 down in the early proceedings, Sweden right-back Hanna Lundkvist appeared to strike Lauren Hemp in the face with her elbow.
Despite Hemp’s visible frustrations, the defender was not brandished a yellow card and escaped punishment.
But the Lionesses did not let the incident affect their second-half performance, as they found their equaliser via Agyemang’s boot in the 81st minute.
Hackett disappointed as Sweden avoid red card
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider on 17 July, the former FIFA referee said: “This action by the Sweden player was deliberate and I am surprised and disappointed that this clear and obvious error did not bring an intervention by VAR.
“It is my belief that it was illegal use of the elbow as a weapon, and there was force leading up to the contact.
“The action fulfills the law for serious foul play and should have resulted in a red card.
“VAR was sleeping, and should have intervened.”
However England won’t mind as they move into the semi-finals of the tournament.