The Euro 2000 semifinal between France and Portugal ended in chaos as Portuguese players erupted in fury at referee Guenter Benko's decision to award a controversial late penalty against them.

Portuguese striker Nuno Gomes was shown a red card in the fury which followed a mass protest by players at the Austrian referee's decision three minutes from the end of extra time. A UEFA official said later that Nuno Gomes had been dismissed after the end of the match for pushing the referee. Zinedine Zidane converted the penalty, giving France a golden goal winner and a 2-1 victory. Benko gave the penalty for a handball close to the goal line by defender Abel Xavier after linesman Igor Sramka of Slovakia raised his flag to signal an infringement. Benko consulted him and pointed to the penalty spot, causing several Portuguese players to rush over to remonstrate with Sramka, first screaming at him then jostling and pushing him. Benko was also harassed and pushed and appeared to show the red card twice though UEFA said later that only Nuno Gomes had been dismissed for pushing the referee. Nuno Gomes, the Portuguese goalscorer in the match, tore off his shirt as he walked off the pitch.