Exclusive: Ex-ref delivers verdict on ‘reckless’ Lucy Bronze challenge in England win
England right-back Lucy Bronze was correctly brandished a yellow card during the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 final victory over Spain, according to ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief exclusively told Football Insider that the 33-year-old was rightly booked by Stephanie Frappart for a late, sliding challenge on Real Madrid woman Olga Carmona in the second half.
Bronze’s yellow card came just one minute after Alessia Russo was shown the first booking of the game, just moments after scoring England’s equaliser.
The right-back eventually went off injured, being replaced by Chelsea teammate Niamh Charles in extra time.
Hannah Hampton the hero as England beat Spain in Euros final
Despite initially trailing 1-0 in the first half via Mariona Caldentey’s header, England went on to beat Spain on Sunday, 27 July.
The Lionesses equalised through Alessia Russo, after substitute Chloe Kelly dazzled on the wing to produce the assist.
Russo’s equaliser sent the game into a nervy period of extra time, but Sarina Wiegman’s women retained their composure to win 3-1 on penalties.
Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and Kelly all converted their spot kicks, while Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton stunned Spain by making two saves.
England have successfully won back-to-back Euros for the first time in their history, and will have their sights on World Cup glory in 2027.
Bronze rightly handed yellow
Bronze was given her booking by Frappart just shy of the hour mark when she slid into Carmona on the follow through after initially making contact with the ball.
Hackett exclusively told Football Insider: “Correct judgement in law by the French referee viewing it from a good position. Reckless challenge and in law a yellow card sanction.”
The right-back’s eventual substitute replacement, Charles, went on to score her penalty, showing no nerves as she slotted past Catalina Coll.