UEFA charge for England after laser pen shame
UEFA have charged England after a laser pointer was aimed at Denmark’s Kasper Schmeichel during Wednesday night’s Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley. The Leicester City goalkeeper had a laser shone in his face before he saved Harry Kane’s extra-time penalty — only for England’s captain to then score from the rebound to earn a 2-1 win and secure his team’s place in Sunday’s final with Italy. The penalty incident had already been shrouded in controversy after Raheem Sterling went down in the box under minimal contact from Joakim Maehle, with Dutch referee Danny Makkelie awarding the spot-kick amid furious protests from the Danes. England have also been charged with what was described as ‘disturbance caused by its
supporters’ after home fans booed the Danish national anthem, and for the lighting of fireworks by fans inside the stadium. The case will be dealt with by the UEFA control, ethics and disciplinary body. On a more positive note, England’s players intend to make a lucrative donation to NHS charities following their euphoric success at Euro 2020. Having already made a cash pledge to the NHS during the height of the Covid pandemic, members of Gareth Southgate’s squad are keen to maintain that commitment to the health service, which has been under such a huge strain since the start of 2020. The FA will net in the region of £24million in prize money if they defeat Italy in Sunday’s historic final, with around 40 per cent of that sum — around £9.5m — to be split among the 26-man squad. The final details of the plan to donate to NHS charities after the tournament will be discussed at greater length in the coming weeks due to complications over tax issues linked to England players’ payments. The
England squad have been applauded for rallying round the health service in recent months. In confirming their choice to make a donation to NHS charities last year, a statement released on behalf of England players last May read: ‘Following positive discussions with the FA, the England senior men’s squad are pleased to confirm that a significant donation from their international match fees will be made to NHS Charities Together via the #PlayersTogether initiative.’