By Phil McNulty
Our man with England |
 | PORTUGAL 2-2 ENGLAND (Portugal win 6-5 on penalties) |
Gary Neville has criticised referee Urs Meier for ruling out a possible late winner for England against Portugal. Sol Campbell netted in the last minute of the Euro 2004 quarter-final - but Meier ruled there had been a push.
"I don't think anyone in the stadium thought it was a foul other than the referee unfortunately," said Neville.
"The referee wasn't the best. He was a bit petty. I don't think Sol was anywhere near the goalkeeper at the time he was penalised."
It was a nightmare revisited for Campbell, who saw a crucial goal ruled out in a World Cup clash against Argentina in 1998.
Portugal won 6-5 on penalties in the Stadium of Light after goalkeeper Ricardo saved Darius Vassell's penalty then scored himself.
"It was a great game, entertaining for everybody, but devastating for us in the end," Neville said.
"We believed we would have to suffer at times in a game and an atmosphere like that and we did suffer.
"But these are the sorts of games that if you get through them you win major tournaments - sadly we didn't get through it and our chance was gone.
"It is devastating and disappointing for everyone in England because everybody genuinely believed we could do it."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
