Fans joke it's a 'shock' that Premier League refs took so long to disallow Xavi Simons' goal in controversial decision in draw between Netherlands and France at Euro 2024

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Social media mocked VAR after it denied the deny the Netherlands what would have been a winning goal against France, with the group of Premier League officials overseeing the longest check of the tournament so far.

Ronald Koeman thought his side had taken the lead in the 69th minute through Xavi Simons' brilliant reaction strike on the edge of the box that flew past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Simons led wild celebrations believing that his goal was the difference following a stylish piece of attacking play that saw the ball bounce out to him while he was in an onside position.

However, despite his strike appearing to be unreachable for the French goalkeeper, it was decided that Denzel Dumfries was offside and blocking a save from being made.

Maignan had made a half-effort to get to the ball that was fired into the bottom corner and Dumfries looked to have been behind the goalkeeper when the ball was fired in.

Xavi Simons was left dumbfounded after his strike against France was ruled out by officials 

Officials ruled that Denzel Dumfries (right) interfered with the goal from an offside position

English referee Anthony Taylor oversaw the longest VAR check of the tournament so far

The incident ended up being chalked off following the longest VAR check of the tournament so far and critics on social media were quick to point out the delay.

Video replays and semi-automated offside decisions have been quick to decide on goals this season, but it was Simons' goal against France that took the longest.

Viewers hit out at the decision not to award the goal, with one comment on X reading: 'VAR has been flawless and so quick that it's not been a hinderance on any game this tournament...right up until the one with Anthony Taylor, Stuart Atwell and the rest of the gang officiating it.'

The effort was chalked off following the longest VAR check of the tournament so far

Another similarly added: 'Look how quickly VAR has been the whole tournament. The only game where it’s taken long is cos we got the English guys on VAR.'

A third post stated: 'Anthony Taylor has spent the most time out of any official at #EURO2024 to make a VAR decision. Imagine my shock.'

Meanwhile, Man United and England legend, Rooney, fumed at the VAR decision - that took several minutes to be decided - and told the BBC that the referee should have been sent to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

'I think it's a goal. There's no way that should be disallowed. If you go to the monitor, it's his own opinion. Onside,' said Rooney.