The Morning After The Comedy of Error: Who Is Danny Makkelie?

Fans of the Three Lions called it a stroke of luck; neutrals have called it an unfair ascent to glory, and opposition will call it a dubious decision at the birth of desperation - and one at the death, but the blast of the whistle that resulted into England’s penalty was a bombshell to the hearts of Danish fans.

Many expected England to win, but saw a tough adversary in Denmark and they lived up to billing. The game, which England dominated for large spells looked like a potential stalemate until Dutch referee Danny Makkelie brought home closer, albeit, at home.

The world is furious, and football fans are fuming, but it’s high time we knew more about the man who has courted criticisms since yesterday night at Wembley. He’s not new to controversies, and can be dubbed a living comedy of high-profile errors.

Makkelie’s English Affairs

The Dutch referee, who has officiated more than 180 games since 2009 is adjudged one of the best referees in Europe. He’s not new to the English game as he officiated last season’s semifinal contest between Real Madrid and Chelsea at the Valdebebas.

Makkelie was also the centre referee during England’s round of 16 victory against Germany . He doubles as a Police Inspector in Rotterdam and has been officiating Europa League games since 2012 and Champions League matches since 2014.

Photo Credit: TheSun

What About Ronaldo?

Although the error at Wembley was a high-profile controversy, leaning on an outright gaffe by popular opinion, it probably wasn’t Makkelie’s worst in 2021.

In Portugal’s 2-2 draw against Serbia in their 2022 World Cup Qualifying fixture, Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had given his side the lead until referee Makkelie showed his comedic part to officiating. The ball had crossed the line but the referee thought otherwise and failed to approve what would have been a decisive winner for the Portuguese.

An angry Ronaldo blurted out as he left the pitch and would have felt for the Danes as he had once experienced the Dutchman’s allure for high-profile mistakes.

Makkelie apologised to Portugal for failing to let Ronaldo’s goal stand but will hardly be forgiven if he tows same path with the Danes. He cost them a final shot at history.

Are England Lucky Or Favoured?

The English have proven to be poor travellers as the two times it has come home or is near home have been times it hardly left home.

Against Denmark, they dug deep in front of 55,000 home fans who chanted till the end. They’re better at home and the organisation of the 2020 Euros took them closer to that promise, but make no mistake of it, the Three Lions have massively improved from what they were many years ago. Between 2017 and now, they’ve seen many players come through the ranks and are currently enjoying the perks of their excellent football development programmes.

While some favours or luck may have helped their cause, they have curried this new success by a combination of their own hard work and partly would thank a dose of Makkelie’s erroneous ‘heroics’ on their march to history.

It may go south next time! They should enjoy it while it lasts.