Premier League referee Michael Oliver denied Germany an early lead against Denmark after disallowing Nico Schlotterbeck’s header for a foul during their Last 16 clash at Euro 2024

Michael Oliver has come under fire after disallowing an early goal for Germany against Denmark (

Ally McCoist has been left fuming with Michael Oliver after the Premier League referee disallowed a goal for Germany within four minutes of their Euro 2024 Last 16 clash with Denmark.

Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck thought he had put the tournament’s hosts ahead when he rose highest from a corner to power a header past Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel. But the flag of the assistant referee went up, before Oliver confirmed he had spotted a foul in the build up.

The incident was not checked by VAR, with Denmark soon taking a free-kick inside their box. Replays did not show an obvious foul, though Joshua Kimmich appeared to clash with a Danish defender.

With little evidence of foul, McCoist was left furious as he insisted the Germans had been denied a deserved opener. McCoist said in commentary on ITV : “That’s soft, I’m telling you that’s soft, it’s a goal!

“I’m looking at it. Schlotterbeck is up about four stories. The leap is incredible. The delivery is good but he is up at some height. I’m guessing some infringement has been spotted.”

McCoist later backtracked on his comments, admitting Oliver was right. Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton insisted the right call had been made. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Lively start to the game, I like it! Joshua Kimmich was blocking one of the Danish defenders and allowing Nico Schlotterbeck to run in.”

While Sutton backed Oliver’s decision, the English referee was blasted by supporters for disallowing the goal. One wrote: “Michael Oliver making it all about him already.”

HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Nico Scholotterbeck’s goal have stood? Comment below.

Nico Schlotterbeck thought he had headed his side into the lead ( 
Image:
Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Another added: “That being disallowed is f****** disgraceful, Michael Oliver is a joke.” A third said: “Why the f*** was that goal disallowed? Michael Oliver proving once again that English refs are the f****** worst.”

A fourth fumed: “Michael Oliver you absolute joker. Refereeing mostly been good at this tournament except the games with English officials.” A fifth concluded: “I already hate Michael Oliver. Never a foul. Absolute clown show.”

Oliver is one of two Premier League referees working at this summer’s tournament, with the Northumbrian being joined by Anthony Taylor. Germany remained on top after Oliver’s decision to disallow their ‘goal’.

But Denmark got themselves back into the game as the first-half wore on. The winner will go on to face Spain or Georgia in the quarter-finals in Stuttgart next Friday.