The European Championships over the years have grown into one of the most prominent footballing tournaments in the world. The Euros have often provided a lot of exciting action with some magical moments that are itched in footballing history. But alongside these glorious moments, the tournament has had its fair share of controversies.
Most controversial moments in European championship
Sweden vs. Denmark match-fixing allegations – Euro 2004
The 2004 edition of the European Championship saw Italy struggle to get out of Group B alongside Bulgaria, Denmark and Sweden. Ahead of the last game, the Azzurri needed to beat Bulgaria, which they did with a 2-1 margin and needed anything but a draw with a scoreline of more than 1-1 from the Denmark – Sweden clash. Shockingly that game ended 2-2, leading to grave match-fixing allegations which were unproved but created a massive controversy.
Spain’s ban from playing USSR – Euro 1960
Going back to the 1960 Euros, tournament favourite Spain were caught in the middle of a geopolitical controversy which forbade them from facing a specific opponent. La Roja was slated to take on the USSR in the quarterfinal. But ahead of that game, Spain’s right-leaning dictator Francisco Franco feared losing to a socialist state, the USSR. Hence the Spanish team were forced to forfeit the game, creating a massive controversy.
Russian and English Hooligans – Euro 2016
During the 2016 European Championship, the footballing world was dealt a massive blow after a huge altercation between England and France fans leading to multiple casualties. After the group stage game between the two countries, a group of Russian fans attacked their England fans, leading to numerous injuries and leaving two people in comas.
Italy vs. USSR coin toss – Euro 1968
The semi-final of the Euro 1968 saw two footballing giants – Italy and USSR battle it out at the legendary Stadio San Paolo in Naples. The match ended up being a gruelling affair with two top teams giving it their all to find the decisive winner but couldn’t break through. Then after extra time, a coin toss took place as a penalty shootout wasn’t part of the UEFA rulebook. Italy called it right i n the coin flip and sealed a place in the final.