Revealed: How Denmark were allowed to 'break' new UEFA rule during Euro 2024 draw with England

  • Denmark drew 1-1 with England in their second match of Euro 2024 on Thursday
  • Viewers noticed that Denmark weren't fully adhering to UEFA's new ruling 
  • LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! Declan Rice 'had a shocker' against Denmark - but is the Arsenal midfielder the victim?

By Spencer Morgan

Published: | Updated:

Denmark found a way to get around a new rule that has been one of the talking points of Euro 2024 so far during Thursday's 1-1 draw with England.

The Danes put in an impressive display against the Three Lions in Frankfurt, controlling large portions of the game and putting themselves in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages.

And viewers noticed something during the game that hasn't been the norm at this tournament. 


UEFA made headlines on the eve of the competition - with the announcement of a rule change designed to stop players surrounding a referee following a controversial decision.

The rule states that the captain is the only player from each team who is allowed to discuss a decision made by the referee.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was nominated to speak with the referee instead of Denmark's captain

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was nominated to speak with the referee instead of Denmark's captain

If a player is not a captain and approaches the official to dispute a decision - they will be immediately booked.

However, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is Denmark's captain, which meant that midfielder Pierre Emile Hojbjerg was nominated to speak with the referee instead.

It is the second time we have seen this in Germany with Italy also adopting the same approach. 

Goalkeeper Donnarumma, who was recently appointed Italy's captain, said he and his team-mates had devised a plan to combat the rule ahead of their opener against Albania.

'We spoke to [UEFA referees chief] Roberto Rossetti and it was very clear,' he said.

Kasper Schmeichel handed the responsibility to Hojbjerg because he is a goalkeeper

Kasper Schmeichel handed the responsibility to Hojbjerg because he is a goalkeeper 

'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. 

'It might be Jorginho or Nicolo Barella, we'll decide just before kick-off.' 

England FootballDenmark Football