'Absolutely crazy' - £30m Fulham star blasts referee over controversial decision

Fulham defender and ex-Crystal Palace star Joachim Andersen has once again blasted referee Michael Oliver for awarding a handball against Germany at the European Championships this summer, and has admitted he will never forgive him.

The centre-back recently moved to Craven Cottage on a five-year deal for £30m from Selhurst Park. He was one of Denmark’s key figures in their last 16 clash against the home nation, but admits he is unlikely to ever get over his performance in that big game.

Andersen, 28, first had a goal disallowed before once again being the centre of the drama after Oliver judged him to have hand-balled inside his own box. The penalty decision quickly became one of the most contentious calls of the whole tournament and both the defender and his international teammates were publicly aggrieved by the decision.

Fans and pundits too joined in the criticism of Oliver’s decision and, over two months on, Andersen remains bitter, confirming he probably won’t ever be able to make peace the English referee’s decision.

Speaking to Ekstra Bladet (via SportWitness), the Danish star said: “It is one of the worst refereeing performances I have seen in my career. Offside is offside, but that you can rule on the ball in such a situation is absolutely crazy. I have not forgiven him, and I won’t.”

Andersen is now part of Denmark’s Nations League squad in the ongoing international break, playing all 90 minutes in the country’s 2-0 win over Switzerland.

Ahead of yesterday’s clash - in which the Swiss had both Nico Elvedi and Granit Xhaka sent off - Andersen admitted that there were still some very fond memories from the summer’s competition and his country will be taking that with them in their Nations League campaign.

“We watched some video on Monday and looked at what we could do better. See what we could take with us from the EC,” Andersen continued.

“As has also been talked about, the defensive foundation has looked good. We don’t allow many chances against and are well on the pitch. But we need just a little bit in the last third to create the last big chance. Maybe there is a little bit of insanity missing.”

Andersen will next be in action for Denmark on Sunday as Kasper Hjulmand’s side takes on Serbia.