Why Denmark were allowed to break UEFA rule during Euro 2024 draw with England

Denmark were able to get around a new UEFA rule during their 1-1 draw with England at Euro 2024.

UEFA unveiled several rule changes ahead of the tournament, one of which is aimed at clamping down on dissent. At this tournament, only the captain of each team is allowed to speak with the referee about decisions.

However, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is Denmark's captain, which meant Tottenham midfielder Pierre Emile Hojbjerg was nominated to speak with the referee instead. Speaking ahead of the tournament, UEFA's chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti explained: "We shared the idea with the EURO 2024 coaches and spoke about this topic inside our UEFA Football Board, with top players, former players and coaches.

"And, all together, we agreed about this situation and then went to the teams. They are happy about this. We are doing this not for the referees or the UEFA Referees Committee, but for football, the image of the game and the next generation.

"These sessions [with the teams] were very productive. All the players interacted in a very good way – they wanted to know how we wanted to apply this open dialogue with the captains and they were absolutely satisfied about this.

"I am sure it will be a fantastic example for the next era of football."

Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and referee Artur Soares Dias

Italy are in a similar situation as Denmark, with their captain Gianluigi Donnarumma saying: "We spoke to Roberto Rossetti and it was very clear.

"When there are situations near the penalty area then I will go across and speak to the match officials, but before games we will decide as to who is going to speak to the referees for situations far from the penalty area."

Denmark were the better side as they picked up a point against England, with a stunning Morten Hjulmand strike cancelling out Harry Kane's opener. However, Kyle Walker defended England's performance, telling the BBC : "It's tournament football. This is a good Denmark team. We're top of the group.

England manager Gareth Southgate

"We've not lost. We've conceded one goal from outside the box. Let's try to take the positives. [The manager] wants us to play attacking football. Sometimes in tournament football, you have to manage the game. It's like the Champions League : you don't just turn up and take three points.

"We know we can do better, but we're top of the group. The players will know as individuals that we have another gear but we haven't lost a game. People want us to come and steamroll teams by three or four goals but that's not the game anymore."

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