Eddie Howe’s team was denied a spectacular victory at Paris St-Germain due to a contentious late penalty call, which had Ally McCoist calling it a “disgrace” and Jermaine Jenas saying Newcastle were “robbed”.
Aleksander Isak’s goal in the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League match appeared to be the game-winner for the hosts. The visitors were hoping to complete a double over the French champions in Group F, but Nick Pope’s big saves and squandered opportunities had given them hope.
However, Tino Livramento seemed to be struck by Ousmane Dembele’s cross in the eighth minute of stoppage time, when the ball bounced up onto his arm.
Referee Szymon Marciniak gave a spot-kick after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, which Kylian Mbappe duly converted to preserve a 1-1 draw.
“What is the intended purpose of Livramento’s arms? encircle them around his back? Former Newcastle midfielder Jenas said on TNT Sports, “I’m furious.”
“The players gave it their all, and it ought to have been one of those memorable victories. Newcastle’s been defrauded.”
McCoist continued, “That is absolutely never a penalty,” while providing commentary on the match for TNT. It is disgraceful if we are penalising for that.”
One of the greatest referees in the world was officiating the match; Marciniak officiated the Argentina vs. France World Cup final in 2022 and officiated the Manchester City vs. Inter Milan Champions League final in June.
After Anthony Gordon seemed to foul Achraf Hakimi inside the box, he had earlier turned down PSG’s pleas for a penalty. After the Livramento incident, he once more turned down PSG players’ requests for a spot kick.
However, he decided there was enough evidence to award the hosts the penalty in the 98th minute after being persuaded to check the monitor by the video assistant referee.
“The referee is the best in the business and was great for the majority of the night,” said McCoist.
“There is never a penalty when it lands on his left elbow after leaving his chest. That choice will define the entire evening.”
Alan Shearer, a former striker for Newcastle, said on X: “Every player gave a fantastic, valiant away performance. shouldn’t be ruined by a repulsive choice.”
BBC
