A huge Slovakia upset of Belgium at Euro 2024 was on, then off, then on again following a controversial sequence that saw Romelu Lukaku’s late equalizer ruled out.
Slovakia was up 1-0 late when it appeared that Lukaku had equalized in the 86th minute after some fine build-up work by Loïs Openda.
But after Lukaku’s goal went in, the referee was alerted of a potential handball by Openda in the build-up.
Replays showed the RB Leipzig striker battling with Slovakia defender Denis Vavro, with a bouncing ball striking his arm before he rounded the defender and centered for Lukaku to fire home.
After a VAR review, referee Halil Umut Meler confirmed that the goal would be disallowed. It was an especially cruel moment for Lukaku, who had another goal disallowed just 25 minutes earlier as he was shown to be marginally offside before a close-range finish.
The game would end with Belgium falling 1-0, as the Slovakians celebrated what was — at least according to FIFA rankings — the biggest upset in Euros history.
As for Belgium, they’ll be forced to rue a marginal call that didn’t go down well with many fans on social media.