The Euro 2000 semifinal between France and Portugal ended in chaos as Portuguese players erupted in fury at referee Guenter Benko's decision to award a controversial late penalty against them.
Published:
29 June 2000 y., Thursday
Portuguese striker Nuno Gomes was shown a red card in the fury which followed a mass protest by players at the Austrian referee's decision three minutes from the end of extra time.
A UEFA official said later that Nuno Gomes had been dismissed after the end of the match for pushing the referee.
Zinedine Zidane converted the penalty, giving France a golden goal winner and a 2-1 victory.
Benko gave the penalty for a handball close to the goal line by defender Abel Xavier after linesman Igor Sramka of Slovakia raised his flag to signal an infringement.
Benko consulted him and pointed to the penalty spot, causing several Portuguese players to rush over to remonstrate with Sramka, first screaming at him then jostling and pushing him.
Benko was also harassed and pushed and appeared to show the red card twice though UEFA said later that only Nuno Gomes had been dismissed for pushing the referee.
Nuno Gomes, the Portuguese goalscorer in the match, tore off his shirt as he walked off the pitch.
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
Tropical fish play their own version of soccer World Cup at a Japanese aquarium.
more »
The thirst of World Cup soccer fans for beer has provided a fillip for South Africa's biggest brewery SAB during it's traditional Winter low season.
more »
After four years of waiting, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is kicking off in South Africa.
more »
A Chinese craftsman is using his skills at creating traditional opera masks to sculpt a range of gaudy faces as mascots for teams in the soccer World Cup.
more »
A bright plastic horn called the vuvuzela could be the defining sound of the upcoming World Cup in South Africa.
more »
At least 20 people are injured when a stampede breaks out during a pre-World Cup friendly match between Nigeria and North Korea.
more »
A small South African town is closed off as enthusiastic fans try to watch the Portugal squad train, ahead of World Cup.
more »
President Barroso conveyed the following message during the visit in Addis Ababa on 8 June at the occasion of the European Commission's meeting with the Commission of the African Union...
more »
Sporting goods manufacturer Adidas defended the official World Cup ball after criticism the product wasn't up to par.
more »
It’s a soccer game with a difference. At the Everland Aquarium in South Korea, eleven penguins dressed in the national colours, are showing off their dribbling skills.
more »