Dallas cops broadside from Norway

Dallas sends off Yugoslavian substitute Mateja Kezman

Hugh Dallas has come in for a barrage of criticism from Norway manager Nils Johan Semb.

Semb has accused the Scottish official of allowing Yugoslavs to referee Sunday's Group C game, which they won 1-0.

The match was 50 minutes long - that must be a world record

Nils Johan Semb

After an eighth-minute goal from Savo Milosevic, Yugoslavia, hanging on as the Norwegians applied increasing pressure, resorted in some critics' eyes to time-wasting and play-acting.

Dallas, who officiated in France 98, sent off Yugoslavian substitute Mateja Kezman for a high challenge on Erik Myland and also cautioned seven players.

The 42-year-old had been involved in controversy in his first Euro 2000 game when he awarded Italy a hotly-debated penalty against Turkey.

Semb said, "The match was 50 minutes long - that must be a world record - because there was so much sabotage out there.

"When you are lying down minute after minute and taking ages to make a substitution, that is sabotage. That is not fair play, not the idea of football.

Dallas in Euro 2000 action

"This is the first time I have witnessed that sort of match. When you see that in matches, you show a yellow card early and point to your red card. That way you show your authority.

"The Yugoslavs refereed the game tonight. But they were also the better team." But Yugoslavian captain Dragan Stojkovic hit back, saying, "We played absolutely fairly - the same as Norway."