Football: England fined €30,000 for use of laser pointer, booing Denmark anthem

Britain England Denmark Euro 2020 Soccer
Denmark's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel prepares for England's Harry Kane to take a a penalty kick during their sides' Euro 2020 semi-final match at Wembley Stadium in London on Jul 7, 2021. (File photo: AP/Paul Ellis, Pool)

UEFA have fined England's Football Association (FA) €30,000 (US$36,000) after a laser pointer was shone at Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel during what proved to be the deciding moment of their Euro 2020 semi-final, Europe's governing body said on Saturday.

Television footage showed that Schmeichel was targeted by a spectator using a green laser as England captain Harry Kane stepped up for a penalty in extra time to give the home side a 2-1 win in Wednesday's (Jul 7) match at Wembley.

UEFA had opened disciplinary proceedings against England on Thursday. The FA were also charged following disturbance during the national anthems and for the setting off of fireworks.

Fans booed when Denmark's national anthem was played before kick-off. Jeers were also heard when the German anthem was played at Wembley last week, when England beat Joachim Loew's side in the round of 16.

England are looking to win their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup and play Italy in the European Championship final at Wembley on Sunday.

Source: Reuters/kg