PSG and Newcastle played to a 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes, with the Magpies on the brink of a significant victory. However, the game took a controversial turn when, in the dying moments, the hosts were granted a contentious penalty after an extensive VAR review.
Just as Newcastle was about to secure a memorable win, Tino Livramento was deemed to have handled the ball in the penalty area. Initially dismissing protests, referee Szymon Marciniak, following VAR instructions, reversed his decision after consulting the pitchside monitor. Replays indicated that the ball had hit Livramento’s chest before his outstretched arm, but a penalty was awarded and Kylian Mbappe successfully converted it, concluding the match in a 1-1 draw.
Reacting strongly, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer criticized the decision on social media, expressing his disbelief. Match of the Day’s Gary Lineker and BT Sport pundit Jermaine Jenas shared similar sentiments, with Jenas describing the referee’s choice as a “shocker.”
A superb battling away performance from every single player. Shouldn’t be spoilt by a disgusting decision. Well done @NUFC #ChampionsLeague #PARNEW
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) November 28, 2023
Commentator Ally McCoist, initially convinced a penalty wouldn’t be given, called the situation a “shambles,” emphasizing that the decision was unjust. Despite the controversy, Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, received praise for his team’s resilient performance, holding off the French champions until the final moments.
Newcastle entered the match with the imperative to avoid defeat to maintain their Champions League knockout hopes. Despite an early lead courtesy of Alexander Isak capitalizing on a Gianluigi Donnarumma error, controversy struck late in the game. With Borussia Dortmund’s win over AC Milan, Newcastle’s fate is no longer in their hands, as PSG now has the opportunity to qualify with a win in their final game. The Magpies, on the other hand, will face Milan with their European future ranging from group runners-up to potential elimination.