Fans 'throw TRAINERS' onto the pitch during the Netherlands' victory over Romania - as Donyell Malen's narrowly avoids the shoes when scoring his side's third goal

A bizarre incident occurred during the Netherlands' 3-0 victory over Romania in the last-16 of Euro 2024 as fans reportedly threw a pair of trainers on the pitch before Donyell Malen scored the Oranje's third goal.

Ronald Koeman's side progressed to the quarter-finals of the tournament thanks to two goals from the Borussia Dortmund star and one from Cody Gakpo, but it was Malen's second strike that caused confusion.

As the forward ran towards the Romania goal, a pair of trainers were seen inside their penalty box.

Romania keeper Florian Nita was forced to kick one trainer away, before Malen cut inside and fired past him, with the ball thankfully not hitting either shoe.

It is unclear what happened in the first place, but Romania's supporters were behind that goal in the second half so it was assumed that one frustrated fan threw them onto the pitch.

Malen's strike saw him cut inside both Darius Oaru and Razvan Marin after a lung-busting run, before he finished emphatically to book his team a quarter-final match-up with either Turkey or Austria. 

Fans were left baffled by the bizarre situation as one said: 'Romanian fan tried to stop him with his sneakers,' as another added: 'That's a new one.'

A further confused supporter said: 'Ok, but why were there trainers in the goal area on that Malen goal? Not boots, but running shoes. Did anyone else see this, I need answers?????'

Other supporters poked fun at the situation which was almost reminiscent of Darren Bent's infamous goal for Sunderland against Liverpool in 2009.

On that occasion, the striker saw his effort deflect of a beach ball and past a helpless Pepe Reina in the Reds' net.

One said: 'Annoyed Malen didn’t have his shot deflected by one of those trainers lying about…,' while another quipped: 'Malen should’ve picked up the trainer on the pitch and done the telephone celebration.'

Meanwhile, speaking on BBC's coverage of the game, Gary Lineker gave his thoughts on the incident.

'I love how the goalkeeper kicks one of the trainers away before he tries to make the save,' he said. 'Did you see that?!'

Ashley Williams replied: 'Well if he'd have kicked the ball away that might have been better...' 

Linker then joked more about the incident as he added: 'I didn't know you were allowed to use product placement like that in these competitions.'