England charged by UEFA over laser shone in Danish goalkeeper's eyes and booing of national anthem

8 July 2021, 09:03 | Updated: 8 July 2021, 16:15

England have been charged by UEFA after a laser was shone in the face of Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel and fans booed during the opposition's national anthem.

UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings following the incidents during Wednesday night's game, with the governing body also investigating the lighting of fireworks inside Wembley Stadium.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: "UEFA are looking into that, that's a matter for them but it's not something we would want to see."

Boris Johnson also urged fans not to boo teams during their national anthem, saying they should be "showing support and being respectful".

Read more: 'Let staff start work late on Monday after Euros final if you can', PM says

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Footage of the match showed a green laser flickering across the Danish keeper's face as the England captain stepped up to take the penalty.

Despite this Schmeichel managed to save the poor quality penalty, but Kane converted the rebound to send Gareth Southgate's men through to a final with Italy on Sunday.

It is believed that a supporter in the crowd shone the laser. ITV presenter Mark Pougatch condemned the action as "unacceptable and ridiculous".

“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."

While Schmeichel did not appear to be affected by the laser, the incident compounds the controversy around the penalty.

Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has admitted he is bitter after England were awarded a penalty by referee Danny Makkelie following Joakim Maehle's challenge on Raheem Sterling.

At the time of the challenge there was a second ball on the pitch and some have accused Sterling of going down easily.

"It was a penalty which should not have been a penalty," Hjumand said. "It is something which annoys me right now. We are very disappointed."

"You cannot pass by the ball on the pitch which has so much influence on the game.

"I know it sounds weird right now but I cannot help having these feelings. One thing is to lose a game, it happens, but losing this way is disappointing because these guys have fought a lot.

"It feels bitter but we have to digest this before we can discuss these feelings. It's a bitter way to leave the tournament."

Fans celebrate England's second goal

But England Manager Gareth Southgate has said he believes it was a fair result and praised Denmark's Schmeichel as a "top goalkeeper" who "had a fantastic game".

"Denmark have had an incredible tournament. I have got to give them huge credit. I thought they made it really difficult for us tonight. They pressed us so well, scored a fabulous goal - the boy is a super player.

"But I think on the balance of play when you look at the number of saves we forced the goalkeeper to make and long periods of the game where I felt we were the biggest threat, I think we deserved it.

"For our country, I've not heard this new Wembley like that ever and to be able to share that with everybody and share it with everybody at home is very special."