Swiss referee Urs Meier ruled out Campbell’s late header following a foul on Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo. The goal would almost certainly have put England into the semi-final, and the response from followers of the England team has been one of reproach.

UEFA, however, have defended the decision by Meier.

"The reaction of the English press to Urs Meier after his correct decision was unacceptable," said UEFA Referees' Committee chairman Volker Roth.

A video clip of the disallowed goal was also shown to the press in Portugal and they were given an explanation as to why UEFA's referee experts considered the decision to be correct.

"The referee had to make a judgement in a single fraction of a second," said vice-chairman Ken Ridden.

"He had to judge in terms of whether the England defender was holding the goalkeeper as well as limiting the goalkeeper. Certainly the Referees' Committee has discussed this very thoroughly, and they feel the referee made the correct decision from his position."

An FA spokesman told TheFA.com: “Referee Urs Meier stands by his decision to rule out Sol Campbell’s goal.

“Unfortunately for us, Euro 2004 is now history. We must look forward.”

Swiss police are also threatening action against media and fans should the harassment of Meier continue.