2004 Portugal vs. England Goal Controversy
Event Background and Details:
In the 2004 European Championship quarter-final, England’s Sol Campbell had a goal disallowed against Portugal. The match ended in a draw and went to penalties, where Portugal emerged victorious. The decision to disallow Campbell’s goal, deemed a foul by the referee, sparked widespread debate and left England fans feeling aggrieved and questioning the fairness of the officiating.
Reactions and Commentary:
Fans raged, “Campbell’s goal should have stood! The ref was blind!” English supporters lamented, “We were robbed; that was a clean goal.” Portuguese fans countered, “Rules are rules, and the ref made the right call.” Media remarked, “This controversial call will be remembered as one of the great injustices in tournament history.” The incident is still discussed in football circles as a classic controversial moment.
